Chess Puzzle #ZZ7gB — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; queen b3; rooks a1/e1; knight b5; pawns a5/b2/d4/e3/f3/g3/h3. Black: king c8; queen e7; rooks e8/g8; bishop b7; knights d7/f6; pawns a7/d5/f7/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a7→a6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Na7+ — knight b5→a7, gives check. Opponent replies Kb8 (king c8→b8).
3. Best move: Nc6+ — knight a7→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Ka8 (king b8→a8).
4. Best move: Nxe7 — knight c6→e7, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, exposed king, long, middlegame, pin, queenside attack. The key move is Na7+.

Position data

FEN: 2k1r1r1/pb1nqp2/5n1p/PN1p4/3P4/1Q2PPPP/1P3K2/R3R3 b - - 0 21

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