Chess Puzzle #xkw2C — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d6; knight c7; pawns b4/c2. Black: king d4; bishop c6; pawns b5/e5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e4 — pawn e5→e4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxc6 — king d6→c6, captures bishop. Opponent replies e3 (pawn e4→e3).
3. Best move: Ne6+ — knight c7→e6, gives check. Opponent replies Kc3 (king d4→c3).
4. Best move: Nf4 — knight e6→f4. Opponent replies Kxb4 (king c3→b4, captures pawn).
5. Best move: Nd5+ — knight f4→d5, gives check. Opponent replies Ka3 (king b4→a3).
6. Best move: Nxe3 — knight d5→e3, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, quiet move, very long. The key move Kxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/2N5/2bK4/1p2p3/1P1k4/8/2P5/8 b - - 11 43

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