Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (1055)

After the setup move Re1, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Re1. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0mKKR

Rating

1055

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

White is ahead by 4 points

FEN

rn3r1k/pp5p/3pQ3/8/6pq/2N5/PPP2PPP/R1B1R1K1 b - - 2 17

What to look for

Exploit a king trapped behind its own pawns on the back rank.

17... Qxf2+ 18. Kh1 18... Qf1+ 19. Rxf1 19... Rxf1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

17. Re1 17... Qxf2+ 18. Kh1 18... Qf1+ 19. Rxf1 19... Rxf1#