Chess Puzzle #Ljm2P — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen e5; rook d1; knight g5; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/h3. Black: king g8; queen b4; rook c8; knight a4; pawns a7/b7/f7/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxf7 — knight g5→f7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nc3+ — knight a4→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b1→a1).
3. Best move: Nxd1 — knight c3→d1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, master, pin, short. The key move is Nc3+.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/pp3pp1/8/4Q1N1/nq6/7P/PPP2P2/1K1R4 w - - 3 24

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