Chess Puzzle #1bW4Q — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook h1; knight d3; pawns c4/d6/f4/h5. Black: king d7; rook b3; bishop c3; pawns a4/c6/d2/e6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc5+ — knight d3→c5, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd6 (king d7→d6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Nxb3 — knight c5→b3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nc5+.

Position data

FEN: 8/3k4/2pPp2p/7P/p1P2P2/1rbN4/3pK3/7R b - - 0 37

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