Chess Puzzle #njz9M — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c7; pawns a2/b2. Black: king e4; pawns a7/b7/c6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd5 — king e4→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxb7 — king c7→b7, captures pawn. Opponent replies a5 (pawn a7→a5).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a2→a4. Opponent replies Kc5 (king d5→c5).
4. Best move: b3 — pawn b2→b3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, quiet move. The key move Kxb7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/ppK5/2p5/8/4k3/8/PP6/8 b - - 4 51

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