Chess Puzzle #ecnCl — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook e7; pawns c3/d4/e5/f2/g4/h2. Black: king c8; knight a3; pawns a4/b6/d5/e6/g6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe6 — rook e7→e6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nc4 — knight a3→c4. Opponent replies Re8+ (rook e6→e8, gives check).
3. Best move: Kb7 — king c8→b7. Opponent replies Re7+ (rook e8→e7, gives check).
4. Best move: Ka6 — king b7→a6.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, long. The key move is Nc4.

Position data

FEN: 2k5/4R3/1p2p1p1/3pP3/p2P2P1/n1P5/5P1P/6K1 w - - 0 35

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