Chess Puzzle #Us8tV — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2238 · Expert · crushing, endgame, exposed king, pawn endgame, quiet move, very long.

Position

White: king e3; pawns b2/b4/c4/g3/h4. Black: king e5; pawns a6/b6/f5/g4/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: c5 — pawn c4→c5. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: bxc5 — pawn b6→c5, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxc5 (pawn b4→c5, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Opponent replies c6 (pawn c5→c6).
  4. Best move: f4+ — pawn f5→f4, gives check. Opponent replies gxf4+ (pawn g3→f4, captures pawn, gives check).
  5. Best move: Kd6 — king e5→d6. Opponent replies f5 (pawn f4→f5).
  6. Best move: Kxc6 — king d6→c6, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, pawn endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move bxc5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/pp6/4kp1p/1PP3pP/4K1P1/1P6/8 w - - 0 38

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