Chess Puzzle #IQlW6 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d4; pawns a3/b4/c5/e5/g5/h4. Black: king c7; pawns a6/b7/c6/e6/f7/g6/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b6 — pawn b7→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxb6+ — pawn c5→b6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb6 (king c7→b6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kc4 — king d4→c4. Opponent replies c5 (pawn c6→c5).
4. Best move: bxc5+ — pawn b4→c5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kc6 (king b6→c6).
5. Best move: Kb4 — king c4→b4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move cxb6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/1pk2p2/p1p1p1p1/2P1P1Pp/1P1K3P/P7/8/8 b - - 8 51

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