Chess Puzzle #0DofS — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g2; knights a4/e5; pawns b7/f2/g3/h2. Black: king e7; rook a2; bishop b8; knight a3; pawn e6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nb5 — knight a3→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6+ — knight e5→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e7→d6).
3. Best move: Nxb8 — knight c6→b8, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1b6/1P2k3/4p3/4N3/N7/n5P1/r4PKP/8 b - - 2 43

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