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

Position

White: king e4; pawns a3/b2/c3/f4/g3/h4. Black: king e6; pawns a6/b5/c4/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: f5+ — pawn f7→f5, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kd4 — king e4→d4. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e6→d6).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a3→a4. Opponent replies Kc6 (king d6→c6).
4. Best move: axb5+ — pawn a4→b5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn).
5. Best move: Ke5 — king d4→e5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move axb5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/p3k1p1/1p5p/2p1KP1P/P1P3P1/1P6/8 b - - 0 56

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