Chess Puzzle #LawJP — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2427 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, master, pawn endgame, short.

Position

White: king d3; pawns a4/b2/c2/f3. Black: king e5; pawns a6/b7/d5/f4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b7→b5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: axb5 — pawn a4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: c3 — pawn c2→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, master, pawn endgame, short. The key move axb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p6/p7/3pk3/P4p2/3K1P2/1PP5/8 b - - 1 44

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.