Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (1083)

After the setup move Qb3, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qb3. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0LXoM

Rating

1083

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

White is ahead by 4 points

FEN

3r1rk1/1p5p/p5p1/3NR3/8/1Q6/PPq2PPP/R5K1 b - - 2 23

What to look for

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

23... Qxf2+ 24. Kh1 24... Qf1+ 25. Rxf1 25... Rxf1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

23. Qb3 23... Qxf2+ 24. Kh1 24... Qf1+ 25. Rxf1 25... Rxf1#