Chess Puzzle #4n2bP — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king f4; knight c3; pawns c4/h4. Black: king e6; knight b6; pawns d5/g6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: cxd5+ — pawn c4→d5, captures pawn, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxd5+ — knight b6→d5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Nxd5 (knight c3→d5, captures knight).
3. Best move: Kxd5 — king e6→d5, captures knight. Opponent replies Ke3 (king f4→e3).
4. Best move: Ke5 — king d5→e5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long. The key move Nxd5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1n2k1pp/3p4/2P2K1P/2N5/8/8 w - - 0 40

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