Chess Puzzle #QUG7i — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d2; pawns b4/c4/d3/f4/h4. Black: king d6; pawns a6/b6/d4/f5/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxa5 — pawn b4→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxa5 (pawn b6→a5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kc2 — king d2→c2. Opponent replies Kc5 (king d6→c5).
4. Best move: Kb3 — king c2→b3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move bxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/pp1k3p/5p2/1PPp1P1P/3P4/3K4/8 b - - 1 39

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