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

Position

White: king e2; knights a4/e3; pawns b3/c2/g2/h3. Black: king d4; bishop e6; knight e5; pawns a6/c6/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: c3+ — pawn c2→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Ke4 (king d4→e4).
3. Best move: Nc5+ — knight a4→c5, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, short. The key move is c3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/6pp/p1p1bp2/4n3/N2k4/1P2N2P/2P1K1P1/8 b - - 3 36

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