Chess Puzzle #2zDnM — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g4; knight e2; pawns b5/e4/g2/h3. Black: king c2; knight a4; pawns a7/b6/f6/g5/h4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc3 — knight a4→c3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxc3 — knight e2→c3, captures knight. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king c2→c3, captures knight).
3. Best move: Kf5 — king g4→f5.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, knight endgame, short. The key move Nxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1p3p2/1P4p1/n3P1Kp/7P/2k1N1P1/8 b - - 1 45

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