Chess Puzzle #XW3Ie — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen g7; rooks a1/f1; bishop c1; knights c3/f3; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c7; queen d8; rooks a8/g8; bishop c8; knights c6/e7; pawns a7/b7/d6/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5+ — knight c3→d5, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Kb8 — king c7→b8. Opponent replies Qxh6 (queen g7→h6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Nxd5 — knight e7→d5, captures knight.

Tactical themes

equality, opening, short. The key move is Kb8.

Position data

FEN: r1bq2r1/ppk1n1Q1/2np3p/8/8/2N2N2/PP3PPP/R1B2RK1 w - - 1 16

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