Chess Puzzle #bK73Z — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2073 · Expert · crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, quiet move, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king a5; pawns b2/e5. Black: king c5; pawns b5/e6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kc4 — king c5→c4. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: b4 — pawn b2→b4. Opponent replies Kc3 (king c4→c3).
  3. Best move: Kxb5 — king a5→b5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, quiet move, short, zugzwang. The key move is b4.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4p3/Kpk1P3/8/8/1P6/8 b - - 3 44

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