Chess Puzzle #1Qofu — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 1126 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, exposed king, fork, long, sacrifice.

Position

White: king g4; rook d8; knight c6; pawn b7. Black: king h8; rook f8; knight f3; pawns g5/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ne5+ — knight f3→e5, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Nxe5 — knight c6→e5, captures knight. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook f8→d8, captures rook).
  3. Best move: Nf7+ — knight e5→f7, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king h8→g7).
  4. Best move: Nxd8 — knight f7→d8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, fork, long, sacrifice. The key move Nxe5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3R1r1k/1P6/2N4p/6p1/6K1/5n2/8/8 b - - 6 46

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.