Chess Puzzle #1EGVV — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; knight b2; pawns a4/b4/f4/g4/h3. Black: king c6; knight b6; pawns a7/d5/f6/g5/h4. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nc4+ — knight b6→c4, gives check. Opponent replies Nxc4 (knight b2→c4, captures knight).
3. Best move: dxc4 — pawn d5→c4, captures knight. Opponent replies Kd4 (king e3→d4).
4. Best move: Kb5 — king c6→b5.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, knight endgame, long. The key move is Nc4+.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1nk2p2/3p2p1/PP3PPp/4K2P/1N6/8 w - - 1 37

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