Chess Puzzle #3uKt9 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f3; knight e7; pawns d3/f2/f4/h4. Black: king d5; bishop a7; pawns c5/d4/f6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd6 — king d5→d6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc8+ — knight e7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kc7 (king d6→c7).
3. Best move: Nxa7 — knight c8→a7, captures bishop. Opponent replies Kb6 (king c7→b6).
4. Best move: Nc8+ — knight a7→c8, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long, master, master vs master. The key move is Nc8+.

Position data

FEN: 8/b3N3/5p2/2pk3p/3p1P1P/3P1K2/5P2/8 b - - 2 68

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