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

Position

White: king d4; pawns a3/b6/c5/e5. Black: king e6; knight c3; pawns a7/d5/f7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb6 — pawn a7→b6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxb6 — pawn c5→b6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Nb5+ (knight c3→b5, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc5 — king d4→c5. Opponent replies d4 (pawn d5→d4).
4. Best move: b7 — pawn b6→b7. Opponent replies Nc7 (knight b5→c7).
5. Best move: Kb6 — king c5→b6.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, knight endgame, very long. The key move cxb6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p4p2/1P2k3/2PpP3/3K4/P1n5/8/8 b - - 0 60

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