Chess Puzzle #1SE2E — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; rook b4; knight b6; pawns a4/d5/e4/f3/g4/h5. Black: king e7; rook c2; knight f4; pawns d6/e5/f7/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf1 — king f2→f1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Kf2 (king f1→f2).
3. Best move: Nd3+ — knight f4→d3, gives check. Opponent replies Ke3 (king f2→e3).
4. Best move: Nxb4 — knight d3→b4, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, fork, long, master. The key move is Rc1+.

Position data

FEN: 8/4kp2/1N1p3p/3Pp1pP/PR2PnP1/5P2/2r2K2/8 w - - 0 76

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