Chess Puzzle #AuQvv — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; knight a4; pawn a2. Black: king c5; bishop b6; pawn c4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb4 — king c5→b4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxb6 — knight a4→b6, captures bishop. Opponent replies Ka3 (king b4→a3).
3. Best move: Kb1 — king c2→b1. Opponent replies c3 (pawn c4→c3).
4. Best move: Nc4+ — knight b6→c4, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, long. The key move Nxb6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1b6/2k5/N1p5/8/P1K5/8 b - - 0 59

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