Chess Puzzle #EpMwA — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2095 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long.

Position

White: king e3; knight c8; pawns c3/d4/e5. Black: king d7; knight d3; pawns c4/d5/e6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Nb6+ — knight c8→b6, gives check. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Kc7 — king d7→c7. Opponent replies Na4 (knight b6→a4).
  3. Best move: Kc6 — king c7→c6. Opponent replies Nb2 (knight a4→b2).
  4. Best move: Nxb2 — knight d3→b2, captures knight.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long. The key move is Kc7.

Position data

FEN: 2N5/3k4/4p3/3pP3/2pP4/2PnK3/8/8 w - - 16 61

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