Chess Puzzle #tHgaQ — Master, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2707 · Master · advantage, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king e4; pawns a4/b3/c3/h5. Black: king d6; pawns a5/b6/e5/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kf5 — king e4→f5. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Kd5 — king d6→d5. Opponent replies b4 (pawn b3→b4).
  3. Best move: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a4→b5, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, long, pawn endgame, zugzwang. The key move is Kd5.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p1k3p/p3p2P/P3K3/1PP5/8/8 w - - 1 44

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