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

Position

White: king f2; knight d3; pawns a4/c3/c4/d6. Black: king g4; bishop c6; pawns a6/b6/c5/f4/g6/h4. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h3 — pawn h4→h3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ne5+ — knight d3→e5, gives check. Opponent replies Kf5 (king g4→f5).
3. Best move: Nxc6 — knight e5→c6, captures bishop. Opponent replies Ke6 (king f5→e6).
4. Best move: Ne5 — knight c6→e5.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Ne5+.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/ppbP2p1/2p5/P1P2pkp/2PN4/5K2/8 b - - 2 43

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