Chess Puzzle #4dBWo — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d3; knight c6; pawns a6/b3. Black: king e8; rook g7; pawns f3/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h5 — pawn h7→h5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7. Opponent replies Rd7+ (rook g7→d7, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke3 — king d3→e3. Opponent replies Rxa7 (rook d7→a7, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Nxa7 — knight c6→a7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move is a7.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/6rp/P1N5/8/8/1P1K1p2/8/8 b - - 1 51

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