Chess Puzzle #1D7yB — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a1; rook c2; bishop f4; knight c4; pawns a2/b3/d5/g3/h5. Black: king f7; rook e2; bishop f5; pawns b4/d6/f6/g7/h6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc2 — rook e2→c2, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxd6+ — knight c4→d6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king f7→g8).
3. Best move: Nxf5 — knight d6→f5, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/5kp1/3p1p1p/3P1b1P/1pN2B2/1P4P1/P1R1r3/K7 b - - 0 44

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