Chess Puzzle #bV509 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2357 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, fork, knight endgame, long.

Position

White: king b3; pawns a2/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king b5; knight e7; pawns c5/f6/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight e7→d5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: c4+ — pawn c3→c4, gives check. Opponent replies Kc6 (king b5→c6).
  3. Best move: cxd5+ — pawn c4→d5, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd5 (king c6→d5, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: Kc3 — king b3→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, fork, knight endgame, long. The key move cxd5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/4n3/5p1p/1kp3p1/8/1KP5/P4PPP/8 b - - 1 37

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.