Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (1142)

After the setup move Bg3, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Bg3. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0md9A

Rating

1142

Side to move

White

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Mate

Material

Black is ahead by 3 points

FEN

3r3k/p2P1Qpp/1p6/2p3P1/8/P4Pbq/7P/3R3K w - - 2 36

What to look for

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

36. Qe8+ 36... Rxe8 37. dxe8=Q#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

35... Bg3 36. Qe8+ 36... Rxe8 37. dxe8=Q#