Chess Puzzle #xHBPx — Master, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king c4; knight c6; pawns a2/b2. Black: king f6; knight e6; pawn g4. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nb4 — knight c6→b4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: g3 — pawn g4→g3. Opponent replies Nd5+ (knight b4→d5, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke5 — king f6→e5. Opponent replies Ne3 (knight d5→e3).
4. Best move: Ke4 — king e5→e4. Opponent replies Ng2 (knight e3→g2).
5. Best move: Nf4 — knight e6→f4. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight g2→e1).
6. Best move: Ke3 — king e4→e3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, master, very long. The key move is g3.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2N1nk2/8/2K3p1/8/PP6/8 w - - 0 63

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