Chess Puzzle #1cLoc — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2361 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, quiet move, very long.

Position

White: king c4; knight d4; pawn d5. Black: king d6; pawns a4/f4/f5/f6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Nb5+ — knight d4→b5, gives check. Opponent replies Ke5 (king d6→e5).
  3. Best move: Nxa3 — knight b5→a3, captures pawn. Opponent replies f3 (pawn f4→f3).
  4. Best move: Nb1 — knight a3→b1. Opponent replies f2 (pawn f3→f2).
  5. Best move: Nd2 — knight b1→d2.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move is Nb5+.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3k1p2/3P1p2/p1KN1p2/8/8/8 b - - 3 48

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