Chess Puzzle #VE04i — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2081 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king e3; pawns a4/b3/c4/f4/g4. Black: king f6; pawns a5/b6/c5/g5/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ke6 — king f6→e6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: fxg5 — pawn f4→g5, captures pawn. Opponent replies hxg5 (pawn h6→g5, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Ke4 — king e3→e4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move fxg5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p3k1p/p1p3p1/P1P2PP1/1P2K3/8/8 b - - 0 39

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