Chess Puzzle #2K5Ka — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 1035 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, exposed king, knight endgame, long.

Position

White: king c3; knight f3; pawns a3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king d5; pawns a5/b5/c4/f5/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Nd4 — knight f3→d4. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: b4+ — pawn b5→b4, gives check. Opponent replies axb4 (pawn a3→b4, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: axb4+ — pawn a5→b4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb4 (king c3→b4, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: Kxd4 — king d5→d4, captures knight.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, knight endgame, long. The key move axb4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/7p/pp1k1pp1/2p5/P1K2N1P/5PP1/8 w - - 2 36

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