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

Rating 1689 · Advanced · crushing, endgame, exposed king, hanging piece, knight endgame, quiet move.

Position

White: king f5; knight c4; pawn e6. Black: king e7; knight d5; pawn b3. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ne3+ — knight d5→e3, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Nxe3 — knight c4→e3, captures knight. Opponent replies b2 (pawn b3→b2).
  3. Best move: Nd5+ — knight e3→d5, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e7→d6).
  4. Best move: Nc3 — knight d5→c3. Opponent replies b1=Q+ (pawn b2→b1, promotes to queen, gives check).
  5. Best move: Nxb1 — knight c3→b1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, hanging piece, knight endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move Nxe3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/4k3/4P3/3n1K2/2N5/1p6/8/8 b - - 1 56

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