Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (1126)

After the setup move Qxe5, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qxe5. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

02zar

Rating

1126

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

White is ahead by 3 points

FEN

r1bk1r2/pppp2pp/8/2PNQq2/8/8/PPP3PP/R1B1R1K1 b - - 0 17

What to look for

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

17... Qf2+ 18. Kh1 18... Qf1+ 19. Rxf1 19... Rxf1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

17. Qxe5 17... Qf2+ 18. Kh1 18... Qf1+ 19. Rxf1 19... Rxf1#