Chess Puzzle #yLJ1O — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2403 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king f4; pawns a4/b5/h4. Black: king e6; pawns a7/b7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a7→a6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: bxa6 — pawn b5→a6, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxa6 (pawn b7→a6, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move bxa6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/pp6/4k2p/1P6/P4K1P/8/8/8 b - - 0 50

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