Chess Puzzle #1Y90C — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e2; queen c4; knight d4; pawns c5/e3/h3. Black: king e7; queen e5; bishop d7; pawns e4/g3/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxh3 — bishop d7→h3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6+ — knight d4→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king e7→f6).
3. Best move: Nxe5 — knight c6→e5, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, master, short. The key move is Nc6+.

Position data

FEN: 8/3bk3/8/2P1q3/2QNp2p/4P1pP/4K3/8 b - - 1 49

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