Chess Puzzle #jPbm8 — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b3; pawns a4/b4/e4/g4/h3. Black: king b6; pawns a6/b5/e5/g5/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb5 — pawn a4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxb5 (king b6→b5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: bxa5 — pawn b4→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxa5 (king b5→a5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kc4 — king b3→c4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move axb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/pk6/1p2p1p1/PP2P1Pp/1K5P/8/8 b - - 0 44

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