Chess Puzzle #4md04 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b5; knight b6; pawns b3/f2/f3/h2. Black: king e2; knight d5; pawns a5/f6/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxb6 — knight d5→b6, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxb6 — king b5→b6, captures knight. Opponent replies Kxf3 (king e2→f3, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Kxa5 — king b6→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxf2 (king f3→f2, captures pawn).
4. Best move: b4 — pawn b3→b4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move Kxb6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/1N3pp1/pK1n4/8/1P3P2/4kP1P/8 b - - 0 38

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