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

Position

White: king d4; rook c8; bishop h2; pawns b2/b5/d6/f2/g2/h3. Black: king e6; rook d7; knight e5; pawns a7/b6/f6/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc6 — rook c8→c6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxc6+ — knight e5→c6, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies bxc6 (pawn b5→c6, captures knight).
3. Best move: Rxd6+ — rook d7→d6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Bxd6 (bishop h2→d6, captures rook).
4. Best move: Kxd6 — king e6→d6, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Nxc6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2R5/p2r2p1/1p1Pkp1p/1P2n3/3K4/7P/1P3PPB/8 w - - 8 42

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