Chess Puzzle #84IFn — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d4; rooks a1/e1; bishop d2; knights b1/e5; pawns a2/b2/c4/d5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c8; queen e7; rooks d8/h8; bishop f8; knights a5/d7; pawns a7/b6/c7/f6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc6 — knight e5→c6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxc6 — knight a5→c6, captures knight. Opponent replies dxc6 (pawn d5→c6, captures knight).
3. Best move: Ne5 — knight d7→e5.

Tactical themes

equality, opening, short. The key move Nxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2kr1b1r/p1pnq1pp/1p3p2/n2PN3/2PQ4/8/PP1B1PPP/RN2R1K1 w - - 0 14

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