Chess Puzzle #20ErC — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook e1; knight c4; pawns b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king d7; rook c8; knight c3; pawns a6/b7/d6/h6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b7→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nb6+ — knight c4→b6, gives check. Opponent replies Kd8 (king d7→d8).
3. Best move: Nxc8 — knight b6→c8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nb6+.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/1p1k3p/p2p3p/8/2N5/1Pn5/5PPP/4R1K1 b - - 3 35

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