Chess Puzzle #sMUcs — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f4; knight c5; pawns a4/c7/h3. Black: king g8; rook e8; pawns a5/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf8 — king g8→f8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd7+ — knight c5→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f8→e7).
3. Best move: Nb6 — knight d7→b6.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, short. The key move is Nd7+.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/2P2p1p/6p1/p1N5/P4K2/7P/8/8 b - - 2 44

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