Chess Puzzle #wdAt9 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2281 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king d2; pawns b3/c3/g2/h3. Black: king c5; pawns c4/d3/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kd5 — king c5→d5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: bxc4+ — pawn b3→c4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc4 (king d5→c4, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: h4 — pawn h3→h4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move bxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/6p1/2k5/2p5/1PPp3P/3K2P1/8 b - - 1 48

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