Chess Puzzle #VPfli — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b3; knight c4; pawns a5/b6/e3/g3/h4. Black: king d5; bishop f2; pawns a7/c5/e4/f5/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb6 — pawn a7→b6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies Kc6 (king d5→c6).
3. Best move: Nd6 — knight c4→d6. Opponent replies Kxd6 (king c6→d6, captures knight).
4. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, long, sacrifice. The key move is a6.

Position data

FEN: 8/p4p1p/1P6/P1pk1p2/2N1p2P/1K2P1P1/5b2/8 b - - 0 40

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