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

Position

White: king b5; knight d3; pawns a6/f2/g2/h3. Black: king d5; rook c1; pawns d4/f5/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb1+ — rook c1→b1, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nb4+ — knight d3→b4, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king d5→d6).
3. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7. Opponent replies Ra1 (rook b1→a1).
4. Best move: Na6 — knight b4→a6.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move is Nb4+.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p1p/P7/1K1k1p2/3p4/3N3P/5PP1/2r5 b - - 10 44

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