Chess Puzzle #1VsZ7 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; knight e3; pawns b2/d3/d5/e4/f4/g3/h4. Black: king g8; rook c1; pawns b3/c5/d6/f6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc2+ — rook c1→c2, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxc2 — knight e3→c2, captures rook. Opponent replies bxc2 (pawn b3→c2, captures knight).
3. Best move: Kd2 — king e2→d2.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, short. The key move Nxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5p1p/3p1pp1/2pP4/4PP1P/1p1PN1P1/1P2K3/2r5 b - - 2 30

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