Chess Puzzle #0DvUB — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a1; knight a5; pawns c3/f2/g3/h2. Black: king e7; rook b8; knight d3; pawns a4/a6/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc5 — knight d3→c5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6+ — knight a5→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e7→d6).
3. Best move: Nxb8 — knight c6→b8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1r6/4kppp/p3p3/N7/p7/2Pn2P1/5P1P/R5K1 b - - 5 26

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