Chess Puzzle #VtYXp — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d3; pawns a3/b3/c3/f4/g3/h4. Black: king d5; pawns a5/b5/c5/f5/g6/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b4 — pawn b3→b4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: cxb4 — pawn c5→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb4 (pawn a3→b4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4. Opponent replies c4+ (pawn c3→c4, gives check).
4. Best move: bxc4+ — pawn b5→c4, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move. The key move bxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/6p1/pppk1p1p/5P1P/PPPK2P1/8/8 w - - 0 40

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