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

Position

White: king c4; bishop e8; knight c3; pawns a4/b5/e4/f5/g4/h3. Black: king d6; bishops b7/d8; pawns a5/b6/e5/f6/g5/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ba8 — bishop b7→a8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bc6 — bishop e8→c6. Opponent replies Bxc6 (bishop a8→c6, captures bishop).
3. Best move: bxc6 — pawn b5→c6, captures bishop. Opponent replies Kxc6 (king d6→c6, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Nd5 — knight c3→d5. Opponent replies b5+ (pawn b6→b5, gives check).
5. Best move: axb5+ — pawn a4→b5, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move axb5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3bB3/1b6/1p1k1p1p/pP2pPp1/P1K1P1P1/2N4P/8/8 b - - 12 51

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