Chess Puzzle #nVHa5 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; knight d7; pawns a4/b3/c2/f3/g2/h3. Black: king d5; bishop e1; pawns a5/b5/c4/d4/f4/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d3+ — pawn d4→d3, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxe1 — king e2→e1, captures bishop. Opponent replies dxc2 (pawn d3→c2, captures pawn).
3. Best move: bxc4+ — pawn b3→c4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc4 (king d5→c4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kd2 — king e1→d2.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, long. The key move bxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/3N4/8/pp1k3p/P1pp1p2/1P3P1P/2P1K1P1/4b3 b - - 1 41

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