Chess Puzzle #PlQNf — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c4; knight e6; pawns b3/g7/h4. Black: king c2; knight g8; pawns a5/b4/e5/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a4 — pawn a5→a4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxa4 — pawn b3→a4, captures pawn. Opponent replies b3 (pawn b4→b3).
3. Best move: Nc7 — knight e6→c7. Opponent replies b2 (pawn b3→b2).
4. Best move: Nb5 — knight c7→b5.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long, quiet move. The key move bxa4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6n1/6P1/4N3/p3p2p/1pK4P/1P6/2k5/8 b - - 0 50

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