Chess Puzzle #j6eP9 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f3; pawns a3/c4/h3. Black: king f5; pawns a6/b6/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kg5 — king f5→g5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ke4 — king f3→e4. Opponent replies b5 (pawn b6→b5).
3. Best move: cxb5 — pawn c4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Ke5 — king e4→e5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is Ke4.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/pp6/5k2/2P4p/P4K1P/8/8 b - - 3 43

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