Chess Puzzle #5bfCs — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2312 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, zugzwang.

Position

White: king b7; bishop g1; pawn a5. Black: king b5; knight b4; pawn g2. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Nxa6 — knight b4→a6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kc8 (king b7→c8).
  3. Best move: Kc6 — king b5→c6. Opponent replies Kd8 (king c8→d8).
  4. Best move: Kd6 — king c6→d6.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, zugzwang. The key move Nxa6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1K6/8/Pk6/1n6/8/6p1/6B1 w - - 0 65

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.