Chess Puzzle #0386g — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; bishop f3; knight d4; pawns a2/b2/c3/e3/g2/h3. Black: king e6; rook d8; bishop d6; pawns a4/b5/c7/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke5 — king e6→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6+ — knight d4→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king e5→f6).
3. Best move: Nxd8 — knight c6→d8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nc6+.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/2p5/3bk2p/1p4p1/p2N4/2P1PB1P/PP2K1P1/8 b - - 1 45

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