Chess Puzzle #E4bCQ — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; rook a5; knight e2; pawns d4/e4/f3/g2/h3. Black: king g7; rook b3; knight a3; pawns e6/f7/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d5 — pawn d4→d5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nc4+ — knight a3→c4, gives check. Opponent replies Kc2 (king d2→c2).
3. Best move: Nxa5 — knight c4→a5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Nc4+.

Position data

FEN: 8/5pk1/4p2p/R5p1/3PP3/nr3P1P/3KN1P1/8 w - - 0 37

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