Chess Puzzle #1rOx4 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h2; rook b1; knight a5; pawns f2/g3/h3. Black: king c6; rooks d2/e8; pawns f7/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd6 — king c6→d6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc4+ — knight a5→c4, gives check. Opponent replies Kd5 (king d6→d5).
3. Best move: Nxd2 — knight c4→d2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nc4+.

Position data

FEN: 4r3/5p2/2k4p/N5p1/8/6PP/3r1P1K/1R6 b - - 2 33

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