Chess Puzzle #FiXk3 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c4; knight e4; pawns a5/b4/c3/g5. Black: king e6; rook d1; pawns a6/b6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke5 — king e6→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb6 — pawn a5→b6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxe4 (king e5→e4, captures knight).
3. Best move: b7 — pawn b6→b7. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d1→d8).
4. Best move: Kc5 — king c4→c5.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, sacrifice. The key move axb6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/pp2k3/P5P1/1PK1N3/2P5/8/3r4 b - - 0 41

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