Chess Puzzle #1w2M1 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e3; knight d3; pawns e5/f4/g4/h3. Black: king d5; rook c6; pawns b3/g6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc2 — rook c6→c2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nb4+ — knight d3→b4, gives check. Opponent replies Ke6 (king d5→e6).
3. Best move: Nxc2 — knight b4→c2, captures rook. Opponent replies bxc2 (pawn b3→c2, captures knight).
4. Best move: Kd2 — king e3→d2. Opponent replies c1=Q+ (pawn c2→c1, promotes to queen, gives check).
5. Best move: Kxc1 — king d2→c1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, very long. The key move is Nb4+.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2r3pp/3kP3/5PP1/1p1NK2P/8/8 b - - 4 55

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