Chess Puzzle #HJUow — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f3; knight e6; pawns c4/g2/h3. Black: king d4; bishop c7; pawns c5/d3/f5/f6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc3 — king d4→c3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxc7 — knight e6→c7, captures bishop. Opponent replies Kxc4 (king c3→c4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Ke3 — king f3→e3. Opponent replies Kc3 (king c4→c3).
4. Best move: Nb5+ — knight c7→b5, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, master. The key move Nxc7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/2b5/4Np2/2p2p2/2Pk4/3p1K1P/6P1/8 b - - 3 52

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.