Chess Puzzle #HoCAV — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c4; pawns a4/b5/g4/h2. Black: king e5; pawns a5/b6/g5/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf4 — king e5→f4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kd5 — king c4→d5. Opponent replies Kxg4 (king f4→g4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kc6 — king d5→c6. Opponent replies h5 (pawn h6→h5).
4. Best move: Kxb6 — king c6→b6, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move is Kd5.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p5p/pP2k1p1/P1K3P1/8/7P/8 b - - 4 44

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.