Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (1153)

After the setup move Qxd6, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qxd6. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0iXeQ

Rating

1153

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

White is ahead by 4 points

FEN

r5k1/pp2Rr1p/3Q2p1/2p2q2/2P5/2N5/PP3PPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 18

What to look for

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

18... Qxf2+ 19. Kh1 19... Qf1+ 20. Rxf1 20... Rxf1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

18. Qxd6 18... Qxf2+ 19. Kh1 19... Qf1+ 20. Rxf1 20... Rxf1#