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

Position

White: king h2; rook e2; bishops b3/b6; knight e6; pawns a2/b2/f3/g2. Black: king h6; rooks c1/d7; bishop g6; knight d3; pawns b7/f6/h4/h5. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh7 — king h6→h7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nf8+ — knight e6→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king h7→g7).
3. Best move: Nxd7 — knight f8→d7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, fork, master, middlegame, short. The key move is Nf8+.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p1r4/1B2Npbk/7p/7p/1B1n1P2/PP2R1PK/2r5 b - - 16 35

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