Chess Puzzle #rH51E — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f3; pawns b2/c3/d4/e4/g4. Black: king e6; pawns b5/c4/d5/f7/g5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: dxe4+ — pawn d5→e4, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxe4 — king f3→e4, captures pawn. Opponent replies f6 (pawn f7→f6).
3. Best move: d5+ — pawn d4→d5, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e6→d6).
4. Best move: Kd4 — king e4→d4.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move Kxe4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/4k3/1p1p2p1/2pPP1P1/2P2K2/1P6/8 b - - 0 31

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