Chess Puzzle #4VSaZ — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king c6; bishop g4; pawns c4/e6/f3/h3. Black: king e7; knight a4; pawns a5/b6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb5 — king c6→b5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nc3+ — knight a4→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb6 (king b5→b6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4. Opponent replies Ka5 (king b6→a5).
4. Best move: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Opponent replies Kb4 (king a5→b4).
5. Best move: a2 — pawn a3→a2. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king b4→c3, captures knight).
6. Best move: a1=Q+ — pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, promotion, quiet move, very long. The key move is Nc3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/4k3/1pK1P3/p7/n1P3B1/5P1P/8/8 w - - 3 52

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