Chess Puzzle #Q4Mqf — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; pawns b3/c4/e3/e5/f4/g3/h4. Black: king a5; pawns a4/c5/e6/f5/g4/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc3 — king d2→c3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Opponent replies b4+ (pawn b3→b4, gives check).
3. Best move: cxb4+ — pawn c5→b4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb3 (king c3→b3).
4. Best move: Kb6 — king a5→b6.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move cxb4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4p3/k1p1Pp1p/p1P2PpP/1P2P1P1/3K4/8 w - - 1 59

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