Chess Puzzle #xA4qE — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2388 · Expert · advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, sacrifice.

Position

White: king b5; knight c5; pawns a6/b6. Black: king b8; rook h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rh1 — rook h5→h1. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Nd7+ — knight c5→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Kc8 (king b8→c8).
  3. Best move: b7+ — pawn b6→b7, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd7 (king c8→d7, captures knight).
  4. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, sacrifice. The key move is Nd7+.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/8/PP6/1KN4r/8/8/8/8 b - - 0 66

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.