Chess Puzzle #QCZ7a — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king d3; pawns b4/e3/e4/g2/h3. Black: king e6; pawns b5/e5/f4/g6/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: exf4 — pawn e3→f4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: exf4 — pawn e5→f4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kd4 (king d3→d4).
3. Best move: g5 — pawn g6→g5. Opponent replies e5 (pawn e4→e5).
4. Best move: h5 — pawn h7→h5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang. The key move exf4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/4k1p1/1p2p3/1P2Pp2/3KP2P/6P1/8 w - - 0 42

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.