Chess Puzzle #YJO45 — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e4; pawns a4/b3/c4/g3/h4. Black: king f6; pawns a7/b6/c5/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g5 — pawn g6→g5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Opponent replies bxa5 (pawn b6→a5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kd5 — king e4→d5. Opponent replies gxh4 (pawn g5→h4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: gxh4 — pawn g3→h4, captures pawn. Opponent replies a4 (pawn a5→a4).
5. Best move: bxa4 — pawn b3→a4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move is a5.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1p3kp1/2p4p/P1P1K2P/1P4P1/8/8 b - - 3 37

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.