Chess Puzzle #t5GkV — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e3; knight d6; pawns f3/g3/h2. Black: king f6; knight c5; pawns e6/g5/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e5 — pawn e6→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ne4+ — knight d6→e4, gives check. Opponent replies Nxe4 (knight c5→e4, captures knight).
3. Best move: fxe4 — pawn f3→e4, captures knight. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f6→e7).
4. Best move: Kd3 — king e3→d3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long. The key move is Ne4+.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3Npk2/2n3pp/8/4KPP1/7P/8 b - - 23 54

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