Chess Puzzle #18ENq — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; knight e5; pawns f3/g4/h4. Black: king f8; rook b6; knight e3; pawns a6/d5/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc4 — knight e3→c4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd7+ — knight e5→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f8→e7).
3. Best move: Nxb6 — knight d7→b6, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nd7+.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/5pp1/pr5p/3pN3/6PP/4nP2/8/2R3K1 b - - 4 33

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