Chess Puzzle #koBfz — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king a6; knight a5; pawns b6/f5. Black: king c8; rook f2; pawn f6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf5 — rook f2→f5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6 — knight a5→c6. Opponent replies Kd7 (king c8→d7).
3. Best move: b7 — pawn b6→b7. Opponent replies Kxc6 (king d7→c6, captures knight).
4. Best move: b8=Q — pawn b7→b8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, promotion, quiet move. The key move is Nc6.

Position data

FEN: 2k5/8/KP3p2/N4P2/8/8/5r2/8 b - - 4 60

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