Chess Puzzle #zk5h2 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f3; pawns a3/b2/c4/h5. Black: king h6; pawns a5/b6/d4/e5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kxh5 — king h6→h5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b4 — pawn b2→b4. Opponent replies Kg5 (king h5→g5).
3. Best move: c5 — pawn c4→c5. Opponent replies axb4 (pawn a5→b4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: axb4 — pawn a3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxc5 (pawn b6→c5, captures pawn).
5. Best move: b5 — pawn b4→b5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, pawn endgame, very long. The key move is b4.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p5k/p3p2P/2Pp4/P4K2/1P6/8 b - - 2 46

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.