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

Position

White: king c4; bishop e1; pawns b5/c5/e4/g2/h3. Black: king c7; bishop f6; pawns b7/c6/e5/h4/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b6 — pawn b7→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc6 — pawn b5→c6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxc6 (king c7→c6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: cxb6 — pawn c5→b6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxb6 (king c6→b6, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kd5 — king c4→d5.

Tactical themes

bishop endgame, crushing, endgame, long. The key move bxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1pk5/2p2b2/1PP1p2p/2K1P2p/7P/6P1/4B3 b - - 2 43

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