Chess Puzzle #j9C6N — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f3; rook e4; knight c4; pawns a5/b6/g4. Black: king f6; rook d4; knight d3; pawns b7/c6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe4 — rook d4→e4, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxe4 — king f3→e4, captures rook. Opponent replies Nc5+ (knight d3→c5, gives check).
3. Best move: Kd4 — king e4→d4.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, short. The key move Kxe4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p3ppp/1Pp2k2/P7/2NrR1P1/3n1K2/8/8 b - - 4 39

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