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

Position

White: king d3; knight e7; pawns a4/b3/c4. Black: king c7; knight c3; pawns a6/b7/c5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd1 — knight c3→d1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd5+ — knight e7→d5, gives check. Opponent replies Kc6 (king c7→c6).
3. Best move: Ke2 — king d3→e2. Opponent replies Nb2 (knight d1→b2).
4. Best move: Nc3 — knight d5→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long. The key move is Nd5+.

Position data

FEN: 8/1pk1N3/p7/2p5/P1P5/1PnK4/8/8 b - - 8 50

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