Chess Puzzle #1a0tC — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; rook f3; knight c4; pawns a3/c2/f5/g2. Black: king f7; rook e8; knight d5; pawns a4/b6/d4/f6/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ne3 — knight d5→e3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd6+ — knight c4→d6, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f7→e7).
3. Best move: Nxe8 — knight d6→e8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, master, short. The key move is Nd6+.

Position data

FEN: 4r3/5kp1/1p3p2/3n1P2/p1Np4/P4R2/1KP3P1/8 b - - 1 43

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