Chess Puzzle #Hyes2 — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king e4; pawns b4/c5/e5/h5. Black: king e6; pawns a4/b6/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c6 — pawn c5→c6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Opponent replies c7 (pawn c6→c7).
3. Best move: Kd7 — king e6→d7. Opponent replies e6+ (pawn e5→e6, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxc7 — king d7→c7, captures pawn. Opponent replies e7 (pawn e6→e7).
5. Best move: Kd7 — king c7→d7. Opponent replies e8=Q+ (pawn e7→e8, promotes to queen, gives check).
6. Best move: Kxe8 — king d7→e8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move is a3.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p2k2p/2P1P2P/pP2K3/8/8/8 w - - 0 58

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