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

Position

White: king g1; queen a3; rooks a1/f1; bishop e4; knight d2; pawns a2/b2/c2/g2/h2. Black: king e7; queen d8; rooks a8/h8; bishop b7; knight e5; pawns a7/b6/c5/e6/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe4 — bishop b7→e4, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxe4 — knight d2→e4, captures bishop. Opponent replies Qd4+ (queen d8→d4, gives check).
3. Best move: Nf2 — knight e4→f2.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, middlegame, short. The key move Nxe4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r2q3r/pb2k3/1p2p2p/2p1n3/4B3/Q7/PPPN2PP/R4RK1 b - - 1 18

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