Chess Puzzle #nOr52 — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; knight a6; pawns a2/b3/c4/f2/g3/h4. Black: king c6; bishop g2; pawns c5/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nb8+ — knight a6→b8, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Kc7 — king c6→c7. Opponent replies Na6+ (knight b8→a6, gives check).
3. Best move: Kb6 — king c7→b6. Opponent replies Nxc5 (knight a6→c5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kxc5 — king b6→c5, captures knight.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, long. The key move is Kc7.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p1p/N1k3p1/2p5/2P4P/1P2K1P1/P4Pb1/8 w - - 1 33

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