Chess Puzzle #RgH3F — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c3; pawns a3/b4/c4/f3/h3. Black: king d6; pawns a5/c5/e6/f4/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb4+ — pawn a5→b4, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb4 — pawn a3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies cxb4+ (pawn c5→b4, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxb4 — king c3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies e5 (pawn e6→e5).
4. Best move: Kc3 — king b4→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move axb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3kp3/p1p5/1PP2p1p/P1K2P1P/8/8 b - - 0 54

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