Chess Puzzle #2Csxq — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d4; knight d7; pawns a4/b5/f4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook a5; knight c3; pawns e6/f7/g7/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b6 — pawn b5→b6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ne2+ — knight c3→e2, gives check. Opponent replies Kf2 (king g1→f2).
3. Best move: Nxd4 — knight e2→d4, captures rook. Opponent replies b7 (pawn b6→b7).
4. Best move: Nc6 — knight d4→c6.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Ne2+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3N1pp1/4p3/rP5p/P2R1P2/2n5/6PP/6K1 w - - 5 36

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