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

Rating 2307 · Expert · bishop endgame, crushing, defensive move, endgame, very long.

Position

White: king f3; bishop e1; pawns a4/c4/d3/e5/f4/h3. Black: king d7; bishop b2; pawns a5/c7/d4/e6/f5/g6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Bxa5 — bishop e1→a5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Bc3 — bishop b2→c3. Opponent replies Bxc3 (bishop a5→c3, captures bishop).
  3. Best move: dxc3 — pawn d4→c3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Ke2 (king f3→e2).
  4. Best move: g5 — pawn g6→g5. Opponent replies fxg5 (pawn f4→g5, captures pawn).
  5. Best move: f4 — pawn f5→f4.

Tactical themes

bishop endgame, crushing, defensive move, endgame, very long. The key move is Bc3.

Position data

FEN: 8/2pk4/4p1p1/p3Pp2/P1Pp1P2/3P1K1P/1b6/4B3 w - - 0 43

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