Chess Puzzle #e4249 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c3; pawns b3/d4/e5/f4/g2/h2. Black: king c6; pawns b5/c4/e6/f5/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd5 — king c6→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc4+ — pawn b3→c4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies bxc4 (pawn b5→c4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: h3 — pawn h2→h3. Opponent replies Ke4 (king d5→e4).
4. Best move: Kxc4 — king c3→c4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move, zugzwang. The key move bxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/2k1p1p1/1p2Pp2/2pP1P2/1PK5/6PP/8 b - - 0 33

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