Chess Puzzle #nIVcK — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Rating 2289 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame.

Position

White: king b4; pawns a4/c4/d5/f4/g2/h3. Black: king d7; pawns b6/c6/d6/f5/g7/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: c5+ — pawn c6→c5, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kb5 — king b4→b5. Opponent replies Kc7 (king d7→c7).
  3. Best move: Ka6 — king b5→a6. Opponent replies h4 (pawn h5→h4).
  4. Best move: Ka7 — king a6→a7.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move is Kb5.

Position data

FEN: 8/3k2p1/1ppp4/3P1p1p/PKP2P2/7P/6P1/8 b - - 0 33

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