Chess Puzzle #hAjE3 — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e3; knight f5; pawns a4/b2/e4. Black: king e6; knight f7; pawns a5/c4/c6/e5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd6 — knight f7→d6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxd6 — knight f5→d6, captures knight. Opponent replies Kxd6 (king e6→d6, captures knight).
3. Best move: Kd2 — king e3→d2. Opponent replies Kc5 (king d6→c5).
4. Best move: Kc3 — king d2→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, knight endgame, long, zugzwang. The key move Nxd6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/5n2/2p1k3/p3pN2/P1p1P3/4K3/1P6/8 b - - 5 48

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