Chess Puzzle #3SJCM — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook b1; knight e7; pawns a3/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king b8; rook d8; bishop c4; pawns a6/b7/c5/f7/g6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b7→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6+ — knight e7→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Kc8 (king b8→c8).
3. Best move: Nxd8 — knight c6→d8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, fork, short. The key move is Nc6+.

Position data

FEN: 1k1r4/1p2Np2/p5pp/2p5/2b5/P1P5/5PPP/1R4K1 b - - 3 23

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