Chess Puzzle #3739a — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rooks a1/f1; bishop d3; knight c3; pawns a2/b2/c2/e5/g2/h3. Black: king g7; queen g3; rooks a8/h8; bishops c8/e7; knight f6; pawns a7/b7/c6/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight f6→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxd5 — knight c3→d5, captures knight. Opponent replies Bc5+ (bishop e7→c5, gives check).
3. Best move: Kh1 — king g1→h1.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, middlegame, short. The key move Nxd5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r1b4r/pp2b1k1/2p2n1p/4P1p1/8/2NB2qP/PPP1Q1P1/R4RK1 b - - 0 17

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