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

Position

White: king e2; knight c4; pawns a4/b3/g3/h4. Black: king f5; knight c6; pawns b4/d4/e3/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ne5 — knight c6→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxe5 — knight c4→e5, captures knight. Opponent replies Kxe5 (king f5→e5, captures knight).
3. Best move: Kd3 — king e2→d3. Opponent replies e2 (pawn e3→e2).
4. Best move: Kxe2 — king d3→e2, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, knight endgame, long. The key move Nxe5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2n5/5k2/PpNp2pP/1P2p1P1/4K3/8 b - - 1 50

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