Chess Puzzle #1zKoV — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; rooks d1/h1; knights d6/f3; pawns a3/b2/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king e7; rooks b8/d7; knights a4/a5; pawns a7/b7/e6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc8+ — knight d6→c8, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc8 — rook b8→c8, captures knight. Opponent replies Rxd7+ (rook d1→d7, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxd7 — king e7→d7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Rxc8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/pp1rkppp/3Np3/n7/n3P3/P4N2/1P3PPP/1K1R3R w - - 0 21

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