Chess Puzzle #DfKf0 — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Rating 1428 · Intermediate · crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long, zugzwang.

Position

White: king g4; knight d5; pawns c4/e4. Black: king g6; knight d7; pawns c5/e5/h4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Nf6+ — knight d7→f6, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Nxf6 — knight d5→f6, captures knight. Opponent replies Kxf6 (king g6→f6, captures knight).
  3. Best move: Kxh4 — king g4→h4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kg6 (king f6→g6).
  4. Best move: Kg4 — king h4→g4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long, zugzwang. The key move Nxf6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/3n4/6k1/2pNp3/2P1P1Kp/8/8/8 b - - 3 57

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