Chess Puzzle #haRA3 — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2704 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king c4; pawns b3/d3. Black: king e3; pawns a7/b6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a7→a6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kc3 — king c4→c3. Opponent replies Kf4 (king e3→f4).
  3. Best move: Kd4 — king c3→d4. Opponent replies Kf5 (king f4→f5).
  4. Best move: Kd5 — king d4→d5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is Kc3.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1p6/8/2K5/1P1Pk3/8/8 b - - 3 52

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