Chess Puzzle #Xazb8 — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2266 · Expert · crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang.

Position

White: king e3; pawns b2/e4/f3/h2. Black: king e5; pawns a6/e6/f7/g5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: h3 — pawn h2→h3. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Opponent replies b3 (pawn b2→b3).
  3. Best move: f6 — pawn f7→f6. Opponent replies f4+ (pawn f3→f4, gives check).
  4. Best move: gxf4+ — pawn g5→f4, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang. The key move gxf4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/p3p3/4k1p1/4P3/4KP2/1P5P/8 w - - 0 47

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