Chess Puzzle #2BVHW — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e4; knight c3; pawns a4/b3/c4/f3/f5/g4/h5. Black: king c6; knight e7; pawns a5/b6/c5/e5/f6/g5/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight c3→d5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxd5 — knight e7→d5, captures knight. Opponent replies cxd5+ (pawn c4→d5, captures knight, gives check).
3. Best move: Kd6 — king c6→d6. Opponent replies Ke3 (king e4→e3).
4. Best move: Kxd5 — king d6→d5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, knight endgame, long, zugzwang. The key move Nxd5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/4n3/1pk2p1p/p1p1pPpP/P1P1K1P1/1PN2P2/8/8 w - - 11 37

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