Chess Puzzle #itylh — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; pawns b4/c3/d4/e3/f4/g3/h3. Black: king f6; pawns a6/b5/d5/e6/f5/g5/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h5 — pawn h6→h5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: fxg5+ — pawn f4→g5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxg5 (king f6→g5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kf3 — king e2→f3. Opponent replies Kf6 (king g5→f6).
4. Best move: Kf4 — king f3→f4.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move fxg5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/p3pk1p/1p1p1pp1/1P1P1P2/2P1P1PP/4K3/8 b - - 2 39

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