Chess Puzzle #2CM8X — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; knight g1; pawns c3/e4/g2/g4. Black: king a4; bishop e1; pawns b3/c4/c5/e5/e6/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxc3+ — bishop e1→c3, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxc3 — king b2→c3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Ka3 (king a4→a3).
3. Best move: Nf3 — knight g1→f3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, short. The key move Kxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4p2p/2p1p1p1/k1p1P1P1/1pP5/1K4P1/4b1N1 b - - 5 45

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