Chess Puzzle #yPFbq — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; knight d4; pawns a2/b2/c3/g3/h2. Black: king d3; knight d5; pawns a4/c4/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxc3 — knight d5→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc3 — pawn b2→c3, captures knight. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king d3→c3, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Ke3 — king f2→e3. Opponent replies Kb2 (king c3→b2).
4. Best move: Kd2 — king e3→d2.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, knight endgame, long. The key move bxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/7p/3n4/p1pN4/2Pk2P1/PP3K1P/8 b - - 0 42

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