Chess Puzzle #6OeYI — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c2; rook d5; knight c4; pawns b4/c3/e5/f4/g2/g5. Black: king a7; rook c7; knight c6; pawns a6/b7/f5/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxb4+ — knight c6→b4, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxb4 — pawn c3→b4, captures knight. Opponent replies Rxc4+ (rook c7→c4, captures knight, gives check).
3. Best move: Kd3 — king c2→d3.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, short. The key move cxb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/kpr4p/p1n3p1/3RPpP1/1PN2P2/2P5/2K3P1/8 b - - 0 34

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