Chess Puzzle #x6G09 — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e4; pawns a3/b4/e5/f5/g3/h3. Black: king d7; pawns a6/b6/c6/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxa5 — pawn b4→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies gxf5+ (pawn g6→f5, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxf5 — king e4→f5, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxa5 (pawn b6→a5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kf6 — king f5→f6. Opponent replies Ke8 (king d7→e8).
5. Best move: e6 — pawn e5→e6. Opponent replies fxe6 (pawn f7→e6, captures pawn).
6. Best move: Kxe6 — king f6→e6, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move bxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/3k1p2/ppp3p1/4PP1p/1P2K3/P5PP/8/8 b - - 0 36

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