Chess Puzzle #1exB2 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; rook d2; knight d4; pawns a3/b2/c3/g5/h4. Black: king e7; rook d8; bishop e6; pawns a6/c4/d5/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb8 — rook d8→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6+ — knight d4→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e7→d6).
3. Best move: Nxb8 — knight c6→b8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r4/4kp1p/p3b1p1/3p2P1/2pN3P/P1P5/1P1R1K2/8 b - - 4 30

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