Chess Puzzle #1F9IF — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; knight e5; pawns a3/b2/d4/g2/h3. Black: king d6; rook h5; pawns c6/d5/f4/g5/g7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rh6 — rook h5→h6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nf7+ — knight e5→f7, gives check. Opponent replies Ke6 (king d6→e6).
3. Best move: Nxh6 — knight f7→h6, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nf7+.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/2pk4/3pN1pr/3P1p2/P6P/1P3KP1/8 b - - 3 40

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.