Chess Puzzle #TJN8T — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b5; rooks a1/a8; knight e5; pawns a2/b2/c2/d4/g2/h2. Black: king e7; queen c7; rook h8; bishop f8; knights c6/f6; pawns b6/b7/d5/f7/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxc6+ — knight e5→c6, captures knight, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc6 — queen c7→c6, captures knight. Opponent replies Re1+ (rook a1→e1, gives check).
3. Best move: Kd7 — king e7→d7.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, middlegame, short. The key move Qxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: R4b1r/1pq1kp2/1pn2n1p/1Q1pN1p1/3P4/8/PPP3PP/R5K1 w - - 4 25

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