Chess Puzzle #ElZ5q — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; rooks a1/h1; bishop e3; knight d6; pawns a3/b2/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a7/f8; bishop d7; knight d5; pawns b6/b7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxe3+ — knight d5→e3, captures bishop, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: fxe3 — pawn f2→e3, captures knight. Opponent replies Bc6+ (bishop d7→c6, gives check).
3. Best move: e4 — pawn e3→e4.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, middlegame, short. The key move fxe3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/rp1b2pp/1p1N4/3n4/8/P3B1P1/1P3PKP/R6R b - - 0 23

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