Chess Puzzle #qOogI — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2236 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king f4; pawns a3/b2/c3/e4. Black: king f6; pawns a4/b5/c4/d5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ke6 — king f6→e6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: exd5+ — pawn e4→d5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd5 (king e6→d5, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Kf5 — king f4→f5. Opponent replies Kd6 (king d5→d6).
  4. Best move: Kf6 — king f5→f6.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move exd5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/5k2/1p1p4/p1p1PK2/P1P5/1P6/8 b - - 2 44

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