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

Position

White: king f4; knight d6; pawns a6/b3/f5. Black: king d4; knight d7; pawns a7/b5/c5/f6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c4 — pawn c5→c4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxb5+ — knight d6→b5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kc5 (king d4→c5).
3. Best move: bxc4 — pawn b3→c4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, knight endgame, short. The key move Nxb5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p2n4/P2N1p2/1pp2P2/3k1K2/1P6/8/8 b - - 1 39

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