Chess Puzzle #jo1wy — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2025 · Expert · crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king a5; pawns a2/b2. Black: king c5; pawns a4/b5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: b3 — pawn b2→b3. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Opponent replies Ka6 (king a5→a6).
  3. Best move: Kb4 — king c5→b4.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move is a3.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/Kpk5/p7/8/PP6/8 w - - 2 52

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