Chess Puzzle #4MwVV — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/f1; bishop e2; knights c2/g5; pawns a2/c3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rooks d8/f8; bishops c5/e6; knight c6; pawns a6/b5/e5/f5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bc4 — bishop e6→c4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxc4+ — bishop e2→c4, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies bxc4 (pawn b5→c4, captures bishop).
3. Best move: Ne6 — knight g5→e6.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Bxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3r1rk1/6pp/p1n1b3/1pb1ppN1/8/2P4P/P1N1BPP1/R4RK1 b - - 1 17

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