Chess Puzzle #eSIRP — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c2; knight b7; pawns a4/c3/d4/e5/h6. Black: king g8; knight e4; pawns a5/c4/d5/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g5 — pawn g6→g5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxa5 — knight b7→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kf8 (king g8→f8).
3. Best move: Nxc4 — knight a5→c4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, knight endgame, short. The key move Nxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1N3p1p/4p1pP/p2pP3/P1pPn3/2P5/2K5/8 b - - 3 42

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