Secrets of Trapping Pieces: Knight Trapped by Bishop, Knight and King

The initial idea behind this blog was to explore an endgame of Bishop plus Knight versus Knight and whether or not the Knight could be trapped and won--leading to a winning endgame. Although the problem is specific, the ideas are generic, and can be applied to positions with more pieces. However, by limiting the number of pieces on the board we can gain insights that will assist us in more complex scenarios. 

White to move and dominate!

Ok, we've completed 3 steps in our 7-step program!

1. We know the first step towards victory...assuming you are comfortable mating with B+N versus K.

2. We know how to finally slam the trap closed and win the grim rim Knight on a4.

3. We just learned a move we should NOT make while trying to close the trap.

Next we ask ourselves, "If 6.Ne5? lets Black have a draw, what move should we play?" 

In the starting position below (later you will demonstrate how to get there) White has placed his King optimally to capture Black's Knight. But cannot complete the process because moving his King closer to the grim Knight would allow the Black King to land on d5. When the Black Knight would be freed from prison.
Time to bring in reinforcements. But what is the narrow path you must find?

We've seen alpha, we've seen omega. Time to put beginning, middle and end together and demonstrate to your own satisfaction that, "This stuff is easy!!"