Chess Puzzle #DCz9i — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b3; knight f3; pawns f2/g2. Black: king d5; knight c4; pawns a3/f5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke4 — king d5→e4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxc4 — king b3→c4, captures knight. Opponent replies a2 (pawn a3→a2).
3. Best move: Nd2+ — knight f3→d2, gives check. Opponent replies Kf4 (king e4→f4).
4. Best move: Nb3 — knight d2→b3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, hanging piece, knight endgame, long. The key move Kxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/3k1p2/2n5/pK3N2/5PP1/8 b - - 3 44

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