Chess Puzzle #rDLVC — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 2302 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame.

Position

White: king c3; pawns a4/b3/e3/f3/g4/h3. Black: king c5; pawns a5/d5/e6/f5/g5/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: b4+ — pawn b3→b4, gives check. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: axb4+ — pawn a5→b4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb3 (king c3→b3).
  3. Best move: fxg4 — pawn f5→g4, captures pawn. Opponent replies hxg4 (pawn h3→g4, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: e5 — pawn e6→e5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame. The key move axb4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4p2p/p1kp1pp1/P5P1/1PK1PP1P/8/8 w - - 0 37

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