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

Position

White: king g1; rook e1; knight b8; pawns b4/d4/f4/g2/h2. Black: king e8; rook c3; knight e7; pawns b5/c4/d5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra3 — rook c3→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nc6 — knight b8→c6. Opponent replies Ra1 (rook a3→a1).
3. Best move: Rxa1 — rook e1→a1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, pin, short. The key move is Nc6.

Position data

FEN: 1N2k3/4nppp/8/1p1p4/1PpP1P2/2r5/6PP/4R1K1 b - - 3 26

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