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

Position

White: king d2; rooks a1/h1; bishop f4; knight f3; pawns a2/c3/d4/e3/f2/g4/h4. Black: king h8; rooks c8/f8; knights b2/e7; pawns a7/b5/d5/f6/g7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd6 — bishop f4→d6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nc4+ — knight b2→c4, gives check. Opponent replies Ke2 (king d2→e2).
3. Best move: Nxd6 — knight c4→d6, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, fork, middlegame, short. The key move is Nc4+.

Position data

FEN: 2r2r1k/p3n1p1/5p2/1p1p4/3P1BPP/2P1PN2/Pn1K1P2/R6R w - - 1 24

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.