Chess Puzzle #38C4t — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f3; rooks a1/f1; bishops a4/f4; knight e2; pawns a2/b2/c2/c5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king e7; queen d7; rooks a8/h8; bishop g6; knights c6/h5; pawns a6/d5/e6/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd4 — knight e2→d4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxd4 — knight c6→d4, captures knight. Opponent replies Bd6+ (bishop f4→d6, gives check).
3. Best move: Kd8 — king e7→d8.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Nxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r6r/3qkpp1/p1n1p1bp/2Pp3n/B4B2/5Q2/PPP1NPPP/R4RK1 w - - 3 18

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