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

Position

White: king e3; rook f1; knight d2; pawns a2/b3/e6/f5/g2. Black: king e5; rooks d4/d8; pawns a7/b5/c4/d3/g5/h5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c3 — pawn c4→c3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nf3+ — knight d2→f3, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king e5→f6).
3. Best move: Nxd4 — knight f3→d4, captures rook. Opponent replies d2 (pawn d3→d2).
4. Best move: e7 — pawn e6→e7. Opponent replies Re8 (rook d8→e8).
5. Best move: Nc6 — knight d4→c6.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, fork, very long. The key move is Nf3+.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/p7/4P3/1p2kPpp/2pr4/1P1pK3/P2N2P1/5R2 b - - 4 44

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.