Chess Puzzle #npKMZ — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king e1; knight b6; pawns a7/b5. Black: king g8; rook a3; knight b1; pawns d5/e6/f7/g6/g7. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a8=Q+ — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxa8 — rook a3→a8, captures queen. Opponent replies Nxa8 (knight b6→a8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Na3 — knight b1→a3. Opponent replies b6 (pawn b5→b6).
4. Best move: Nc2+ — knight a3→c2, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Rxa8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/P4pp1/1N2p1p1/1P1p4/8/r7/8/1n2K3 w - - 1 45

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