Chess Puzzle #HxFcp — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g4; pawns a2/b4/e4/g3/h5. Black: king d6; pawns b5/c6/e5/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c5 — pawn c6→c5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc5+ — pawn b4→c5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc5 (king d6→c5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kf5 — king g4→f5. Opponent replies Kd4 (king c5→d4).
4. Best move: a3 — pawn a2→a3. Opponent replies g6+ (pawn g7→g6, gives check).
5. Best move: hxg6 — pawn h5→g6, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move bxc5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/2pk3p/1p2p2P/1P2P1K1/6P1/P7/8 b - - 3 32

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