Chess Puzzle #0jXtu — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook f1; knights b5/c7; pawns a2/b2/d5/g2/h2. Black: king f7; rook c8; bishop c2; knight f6; pawns a7/b7/d6/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd3 — bishop c2→d3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxd6+ — knight b5→d6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f7→e7).
3. Best move: Nxc8+ — knight d6→c8, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, short. The key move Nxd6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/ppN2kp1/3p1n1p/1N1P4/8/8/PPb3PP/5RK1 b - - 2 20

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