Chess Puzzle #21SFI — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b3; knight d5; pawns b5/c2/c4/e4. Black: king d7; rook d4; pawns b6/c5/e5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe4 — rook d4→e4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nf6+ — knight d5→f6, gives check. Opponent replies Ke6 (king d7→e6).
3. Best move: Nxe4 — knight f6→e4, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nf6+.

Position data

FEN: 8/3k4/1p6/1PpNp3/2PrP3/1K6/2P5/8 b - - 1 40

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