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

Position

White: king b2; rook e1; knight c3; pawns a3/b5/f4/h5. Black: king e7; rook g3; bishop c7; pawns b6/c5/e6/f5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxf4 — bishop c7→f4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd5+ — knight c3→d5, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e7→d6).
3. Best move: Nxf4 — knight d5→f4, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, pin, short. The key move is Nd5+.

Position data

FEN: 8/2b1k1p1/1p2p2p/1Pp2p1P/5P2/P1N3r1/1K6/4R3 b - - 0 32

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