Chess Puzzle #FX9Q0 — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d2; rooks d1/f1; bishop e2; knight d4; pawns a2/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen e5; rooks a8/d8; bishop c8; knight b8; pawns a6/b7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc6 — knight b8→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxc6 — knight d4→c6, captures knight. Opponent replies Qc5+ (queen e5→c5, gives check).
3. Best move: Nd4 — knight c6→d4.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, middlegame, short. The key move Nxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: rnbr2k1/1p3ppp/p7/4q3/3N4/5P2/P2QB1PP/3R1RK1 b - - 4 17

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.