Chess Puzzle #1QZ5N — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c2; rook f1; bishops d3/d4; knight e2; pawns b5/c4/f2/g3/h3. Black: king g8; queen d6; rook d8; bishop c8; knights b8/e5; pawns b6/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd1 — rook f1→d1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nf3+ — knight e5→f3, gives check. Opponent replies Kg2 (king g1→g2).
3. Best move: Nxd4 — knight f3→d4, captures bishop. Opponent replies Nxd4 (knight e2→d4, captures knight).
4. Best move: Qxd4 — queen d6→d4, captures knight.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame. The key move is Nf3+.

Position data

FEN: 1nbr2k1/5p1p/1p1q2p1/1P2n3/2PB4/3B2PP/2Q1NP2/5RK1 w - - 1 24

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