Chess Puzzle #55wM3 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; knight e7; pawns a2/b7/c3/d4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook b8; bishop c6; pawns a6/f5/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf7 — king g8→f7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxc6 — knight e7→c6, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxb7 (rook b8→b7, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Nd8+ — knight c6→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg6 (king f7→g6).
4. Best move: Nxb7 — knight d8→b7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long. The key move Nxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/1P2N1p1/p1b2p1p/5p2/3P4/2P4P/P4PP1/6K1 b - - 2 30

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