Chess Puzzle #39I0r — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen d2; rooks g1/g5; bishop e2; knight c3; pawns a2/b2/c2/d5/e4/f2/f3/h3. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks a8/f8; bishop g7; knights d4/f4; pawns a7/b7/c7/d6/e5/f7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nfxe2+ — knight f4→e2, captures bishop, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxe2 — knight c3→e2, captures knight. Opponent replies Nxe2+ (knight d4→e2, captures knight, gives check).
3. Best move: Qxe2 — queen d2→e2, captures knight.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Nxe2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r2q1rk1/ppp2pb1/3p4/3Pp1R1/3nPn2/2N2P1P/PPPQBP2/2K3R1 b - - 2 16

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