Chess Puzzle #PIa4z — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2035 · Expert · crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king e4; pawns a3/b4/f3/f4/h4. Black: king e6; pawns a7/b5/f6/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a7→a6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: f5+ — pawn f4→f5, gives check. Opponent replies gxf5+ (pawn g6→f5, captures pawn, gives check).
  3. Best move: Kf4 — king e4→f4. Opponent replies Kd5 (king e6→d5).
  4. Best move: Kxf5 — king f4→f5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is f5+.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/4kpp1/1p5p/1P2KP1P/P4P2/8/8 b - - 0 40

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