Chess Puzzle #aZblM — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d1; rooks a1/h1; bishops c1/f1; knights c7/d2; pawns a3/b2/c2/e2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/d8; bishops c8/f2; knights b8/f6; pawns a7/b7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxa8 — knight c7→a8, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nd5 — knight f6→d5. Opponent replies e4 (pawn e2→e4).
3. Best move: Bg4+ — bishop c8→g4, gives check. Opponent replies Nf3 (knight d2→f3).
4. Best move: Nc3# — knight d5→c3, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

double check, long, mate, mate in 3, opening, quiet move. The combination ends with Nc3# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: rnbr2k1/ppN2ppp/5n2/8/8/P7/1PPNPbPP/R1BK1B1R w - - 0 12

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