Chess Puzzle #a3Fib — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d3; pawns a3/b3/c4/g3/h2. Black: king e5; pawns a6/b6/c5/f6/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxb5 — pawn c4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a3→a4. Opponent replies c4+ (pawn c5→c4, gives check).
4. Best move: Kc3 — king d3→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move cxb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/pp3p2/2p1k3/2P3p1/PP1K2P1/7P/8 b - - 0 37

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