Chess Puzzle #l9Sk5 — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d5; pawns a4/e5/f4/g5/h2. Black: king d7; pawns a6/b6/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb5 — pawn a4→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: h4 — pawn h2→h4. Opponent replies Ke7 (king d7→e7).
4. Best move: Kc5 — king d5→c5.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/3k1p1p/pp4p1/3KP1P1/P4P2/8/7P/8 b - - 0 35

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