Chess Puzzle #v9YS1 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e2; pawns a4/b6/c5/g2/h3. Black: king e7; bishop c7; pawns e4/f5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Be5 — bishop c7→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Opponent replies Bd4 (bishop e5→d4).
3. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies Bxc5 (bishop d4→c5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7. Opponent replies Bxb6 (bishop c5→b6, captures pawn).
5. Best move: a8=Q — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, bishop endgame, crushing, endgame, promotion, quiet move, very long. The key move is a5.

Position data

FEN: 8/2b1k1p1/1P5p/2P2p2/P3p3/7P/4K1P1/8 b - - 0 35

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