Chess Puzzle #BLgJk — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; knight c3; pawns a3/c4/f4/g3/h4. Black: king d6; knight d4; pawns a5/c5/f5/g7/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nb5+ — knight c3→b5, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxb5 — knight d4→b5, captures knight. Opponent replies cxb5 (pawn c4→b5, captures knight).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4. Opponent replies Kd3 (king e3→d3).
4. Best move: Kc7 — king d6→c7. Opponent replies Kc4 (king d3→c4).
5. Best move: Kb6 — king c7→b6. Opponent replies Kd5 (king c4→d5).
6. Best move: Kxb5 — king b6→b5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, knight endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move Nxb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/3k4/p1p2p1p/2Pn1P1P/P1N1K1P1/8/8 w - - 3 46

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