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

Position

White: king g1; knight e4; pawns a2/b2/c3/d4/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook c8; pawns a7/b7/c6/f6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf7 — king g8→f7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd6+ — knight e4→d6, gives check. Opponent replies Ke6 (king f7→e6).
3. Best move: Nxc8 — knight d6→c8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nd6+.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/pp6/2p2p1p/8/3PN3/2P4P/PP4P1/6K1 b - - 0 26

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