Chess Puzzle #N9C72 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b5; pawns a4/b6. Black: king a2; bishop h4; pawn a5. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ka3 — king a2→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b7 — pawn b6→b7. Opponent replies Bg3 (bishop h4→g3).
3. Best move: Kxa5 — king b5→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kb3 (king a3→b3).
4. Best move: Kb5 — king a5→b5.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, bishop endgame, crushing, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move is b7.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1P6/pK6/P6b/8/k7/8 b - - 2 55

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