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

Position

White: king b2; pawns a4/b3/c3/d4/e3/g4/h3. Black: king c6; pawns a5/b5/c5/d5/e4/g5/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb6 — king c6→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: dxc5+ — pawn d4→c5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc5 (king b6→c5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: axb5 — pawn a4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxb5 (king c5→b5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Ka3 — king b2→a3. Opponent replies a4 (pawn a5→a4).
5. Best move: bxa4+ — pawn b3→a4, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move dxc5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2k5/pppp2p1/P2Pp1Pp/1PP1P2P/1K6/8 b - - 1 37

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