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

Rating 2532 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, quiet move, very long.

Position

White: king d5; pawns a5/c5/g2/h3. Black: king d7; pawns a6/b7/g6/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: h5 — pawn h6→h5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: h4 — pawn h3→h4. Opponent replies Kc7 (king d7→c7).
  3. Best move: c6 — pawn c5→c6. Opponent replies bxc6+ (pawn b7→c6, captures pawn, gives check).
  4. Best move: Kc5 — king d5→c5. Opponent replies Kd7 (king c7→d7).
  5. Best move: Kb6 — king c5→b6. Opponent replies c5 (pawn c6→c5).
  6. Best move: Kxc5 — king b6→c5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, quiet move, very long, zugzwang. The key move is h4.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p1k4/p5pp/P1PK4/8/7P/6P1/8 b - - 9 50

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