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

Position

White: king e2; knight e5; pawns b3/c2/e3/g5. Black: king g7; bishop e6; pawns b4/c3/e4/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb3 — bishop e6→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxb3 — pawn c2→b3, captures bishop. Opponent replies c2 (pawn c3→c2).
3. Best move: Kd2 — king e2→d2. Opponent replies c1=Q+ (pawn c2→c1, promotes to queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxc1 — king d2→c1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, long. The key move cxb3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6k1/4b1p1/4N1P1/1p2p3/1Pp1P3/2P1K3/8 b - - 4 42

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