Chess Puzzle #45iNT — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; rook b7; knight b6; pawns c4/g5/h4. Black: king f8; rook c8; knight c6; pawns d3/e4/f5/g6/g7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb8 — rook c8→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nd7+ — knight b6→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Ke8 (king f8→e8).
3. Best move: Nxb8 — knight d7→b8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, fork, master, short. The key move is Nd7+.

Position data

FEN: 2r2k2/1R4p1/1Nn3p1/5pP1/2P1p2P/3p4/5K2/8 b - - 6 37

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