Chess Puzzle #2H4Cf — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; rook b1; knights a3/d2; pawns e4/f3/g2/h4. Black: king b6; rook d3; knight a4; pawns a7/b5/c4/e5/f6/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa3 — rook d3→a3, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxc4+ — knight d2→c4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kc5 (king b6→c5).
3. Best move: Nxa3 — knight c4→a3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, pin, short. The key move Nxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p5p1/1k3p1p/1p2p3/n1p1P2P/N2r1P2/3N1KP1/1R6 b - - 3 35

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