Chess Puzzle #PkMcQ — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; knight c5; pawns a2/b4/e3/f6/g5/h3. Black: king d6; bishop d3; pawns a6/b7/e4/f7/g6/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc6 — king d6→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxd3 — knight c5→d3, captures bishop. Opponent replies exd3 (pawn e4→d3, captures knight).
3. Best move: e4 — pawn e3→e4. Opponent replies d2 (pawn d3→d2).
4. Best move: Ke2 — king f2→e2. Opponent replies d1=Q+ (pawn d2→d1, promotes to queen, gives check).
5. Best move: Kxd1 — king e2→d1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move Nxd3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p3p2/p2k1Pp1/2N3P1/1P2p2p/3bP2P/P4K2/8 b - - 0 38

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