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

Rating 2624 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king d3; pawns b3/c4/e4/f4. Black: king d6; pawns a5/b5/c5/f6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kc6 — king d6→c6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: cxb5+ — pawn c4→b5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb5 (king c6→b5, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Kc3 — king d3→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move cxb5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3k1p2/ppp5/2P1PP2/1P1K4/8/8 b - - 0 44

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