Chess Puzzle #1J6AQ — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 1005 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, knight endgame, short.

Position

White: king d2; knight e4; pawns a5/f4/g3/h2. Black: king c5; knight d5; pawns c4/e7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kb5 — king c5→b5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Nc3+ — knight e4→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Nxc3 (knight d5→c3, captures knight).
  3. Best move: Kxc3 — king d2→c3, captures knight.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, knight endgame, short. The key move is Nc3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/4p2p/6p1/P1kn4/2p1NP2/6P1/3K3P/8 b - - 0 37

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