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

Position

White: king h1; rooks a1/e1; knight d4; pawns a3/b4/g2/h2. Black: king f8; queen c7; knight d3; pawns a6/c6/d5/f5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxe1 — knight d3→e1, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ne6+ — knight d4→e6, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f8→e7).
3. Best move: Nxc7 — knight e6→c7, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, master, short. The key move is Ne6+.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/2q3p1/p1p4p/3p1p2/1P1N4/P2n4/6PP/R3R2K b - - 3 29

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