Chess Puzzle #1a4k2 — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a2; rooks b1/h7; knight c6; pawns b2/b5/c3/e5. Black: king c8; rooks d8/f2; knights c4/c5; pawns a7/b6/d5/e6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rdf8 — rook d8→f8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxa7+ — knight c6→a7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kd8 (king c8→d8).
3. Best move: Nc6+ — knight a7→c6, gives check.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short. The key move Nxa7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2kr4/p6R/1pN1p3/1PnpP3/2n5/2P5/KP3r2/1R6 b - - 6 37

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