Chess Puzzle #IODwo — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e5; knight e6; pawns a5/c5/g2. Black: king c6; knight e4; pawns d5/f5/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxc5 — knight e4→c5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxc5 — knight e6→c5, captures knight. Opponent replies Kxc5 (king c6→c5, captures knight).
3. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies Kb6 (king c5→b6).
4. Best move: Kxd5 — king e5→d5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, knight endgame, long. The key move Nxc5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2k1N1p1/P1PpKp2/4n3/8/6P1/8 b - - 0 42

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