Chess Puzzle #ae42a — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d4; pawns a2/b4/c3. Black: king d6; pawns a6/b6/c6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c5+ — pawn c6→c5, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc5+ — pawn b4→c5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies bxc5+ (pawn b6→c5, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke4 — king d4→e4. Opponent replies Kc6 (king d6→c6).
4. Best move: c4 — pawn c3→c4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move bxc5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/pppk4/8/1P1K4/2P5/P7/8 b - - 2 43

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