Chess Puzzle #MW8Au — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g3; pawns a4/b3/c4/d4/e3/e5. Black: king h5; pawns a5/b6/c5/d5/e6/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: dxc4 — pawn d5→c4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc4 — pawn b3→c4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kg5 (king h5→g5).
3. Best move: d5 — pawn d4→d5. Opponent replies exd5 (pawn e6→d5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: cxd5 — pawn c4→d5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move bxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p2p3/p1ppP2k/P1PP2p1/1P2P1K1/8/8 b - - 0 36

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