Chess Puzzle #iXee2 — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2020 · Expert · defensive move, endgame, equality, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king f3; pawns e3/f4/g3/h4. Black: king e6; pawns f5/g6/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: e4 — pawn e3→e4. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: fxe4+ — pawn f5→e4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxe4 (king f3→e4, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: h5 — pawn h6→h5.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move fxe4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4k1pp/5p2/5P1P/4PKP1/8/8 w - - 2 49

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