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

Position

White: king f4; pawns a2/b4/d4/f3/g3. Black: king f6; pawns a5/b6/c6/f5/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a2→a3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: axb4 — pawn a5→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb4 (pawn a3→b4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Opponent replies d5 (pawn d4→d5).
4. Best move: cxd5 — pawn c6→d5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang. The key move axb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1pp2k2/p4p1p/1P1P1K2/5PP1/P7/8 w - - 0 42

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