Chess Puzzle #pHr7X — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2459 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king g2; pawns a2/b4/g3. Black: king g4; pawns a6/b5/g7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: g5 — pawn g7→g5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kf2 — king g2→f2. Opponent replies Kf5 (king g4→f5).
  3. Best move: Kf3 — king f2→f3. Opponent replies g4+ (pawn g5→g4, gives check).
  4. Best move: Ke3 — king f3→e3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is Kf2.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/p7/1p6/1P4k1/6P1/P5K1/8 b - - 1 40

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