Chess Puzzle #k1IEs — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e4; knight d7; pawn e5. Black: king c5; knight f8; pawn a5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc6 — king c5→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxf8 — knight d7→f8, captures knight. Opponent replies a4 (pawn a5→a4).
3. Best move: Ne6 — knight f8→e6. Opponent replies a3 (pawn a4→a3).
4. Best move: Nd4+ — knight e6→d4, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, knight endgame, long, quiet move. The key move Nxf8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5n2/3N4/8/p1k1P3/4K3/8/8/8 b - - 3 62

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