Chess Puzzle #VgVbe — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e4; pawns a6/b5/c4/f3/g4/h4. Black: king d6; pawns a7/b6/c7/e5/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc5 — king d6→c5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxe5 — king e4→e5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxc4 (king c5→c4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: f4 — pawn f3→f4. Opponent replies Kxb5 (king c4→b5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: f5 — pawn f4→f5.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move. The key move Kxe5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p1p4p/Pp1k2p1/1P2p3/2P1K1PP/5P2/8/8 b - - 0 39

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