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

Position

White: king f4; knight c4; pawns d6/e4/g3/h4. Black: king e7; rook a4; pawns g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd7 — king e7→d7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nb6+ — knight c4→b6, gives check. Opponent replies Kc6 (king d7→c6).
3. Best move: Nxa4 — knight b6→a4, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nb6+.

Position data

FEN: 8/4k3/3P2p1/7p/r1N1PK1P/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 53

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.