Chess Puzzle #1PxLI — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b5; pawns a5/d3. Black: king h3; knight b4; pawn h4. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kg2 — king h3→g2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxb4 — king b5→b4, captures knight. Opponent replies Kg1 (king g2→g1).
3. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies h3 (pawn h4→h3).
4. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, hanging piece, long. The key move Kxb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/PK6/1n5p/3P3k/8/8 b - - 1 63

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