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

Rating 2212 · Expert · crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang.

Position

White: king e4; pawns b5/c4/f5/g4/h5. Black: king d6; pawns a7/b6/f6/g5/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kc5 — king d6→c5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kd3 — king e4→d3. Opponent replies Kd6 (king c5→d6).
  3. Best move: Kd4 — king d3→d4. Opponent replies Kc7 (king d6→c7).
  4. Best move: c5 — pawn c4→c5. Opponent replies bxc5+ (pawn b6→c5, captures pawn, gives check).
  5. Best move: Kxc5 — king d4→c5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move is Kd3.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1p1k1p1p/1P3PpP/2P1K1P1/8/8/8 b - - 0 43

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