Chess Puzzle #pLTj8 — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d4; knight c4; pawns a5/e3/g3/h4. Black: king b5; bishop b4; pawns b7/f5/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxa5 — bishop b4→a5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxa5 — knight c4→a5, captures bishop. Opponent replies Kxa5 (king b5→a5, captures knight).
3. Best move: e4 — pawn e3→e4. Opponent replies fxe4 (pawn f5→e4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: g4 — pawn g3→g4.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Nxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p6/8/Pk3p1p/1bNK3P/4P1P1/8/8 b - - 9 43

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