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

Position

White: king c5; pawn a4. Black: king b3; knight c4; pawn a5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kxa4 — king b3→a4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxc4 — king c5→c4, captures knight. Opponent replies Ka3 (king a4→a3).
3. Best move: Kc3 — king c4→c3. Opponent replies a4 (pawn a5→a4).
4. Best move: Kc2 — king c3→c2.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, hanging piece, long. The key move Kxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/p1K5/P1n5/1k6/8/8 b - - 8 66

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.