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

Rating 2401 · Master · advanced pawn, bishop endgame, crushing, defensive move, endgame, promotion.

Position

White: king g2; pawns a5/b4/c3/d4/g4. Black: king f5; bishop e7; pawns d5/f4/h4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kxg4 — king f5→g4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies h3+ (pawn h4→h3, gives check).
  3. Best move: Kg1 — king g2→g1. Opponent replies f3 (pawn f4→f3).
  4. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7. Opponent replies Bg5 (bishop e7→g5).
  5. Best move: a8=Q — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, bishop endgame, crushing, defensive move, endgame, promotion, very long. The key move is a6.

Position data

FEN: 8/4b3/8/P2p1k2/1P1P1pPp/2P5/6K1/8 b - - 0 38

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