Wouldn't white just need to get the king to the center so that black can't mate with the two knights?
Pretty epic puzzle.
Designing a study, not 100% if the final position is drawn... help :)
Sort:
Dec 28, 2011
0
#3
Well, the thing is, two Knights actually can sometimes win against King and pawn if the remaining pawn if blockaded by one of the Knights before a certain rank. The winning idea is to first stalemate the lone King with King and Knight, release the blockaded pawn, and then finally use the blockading Knight to complete the checkmate before the pawn can queen (or before the new queen can do anything at any rate).
All this is easier said than done, of course... :)
How long did it take you to compose this?
Dec 28, 2011
0
#5
About a day. The basic idea, at any rate. I probably spent another day making it sound and trying to tweak the knight endgame at the end.
I think black shouldn't have too much trouble getting rid of those pawns.
Considering the position, black will be able to win so long as he blocks the pawn before it reaches the 5th. Otherwise, it will take 50+ moves. Can white survive?
EDIT: Looking at my previous continuation, I would say that white should play 14. a4! followed by 15. Ka2! To avoid checks on c4.
White loses in 77, according to my tablebase
Here ya go...
White to play and draw: