Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (1180)

After the setup move Ne7, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Ne7. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0WGr6

Rating

1180

Side to move

White

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

1r2k2r/4npbp/3Q2p1/p1p5/1q2P3/1P3PN1/P1P3PP/2KR3R w k - 1 18

What to look for

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

18. Qd7+ 18... Kf8 19. Qd8+ 19... Rxd8 20. Rxd8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

17... Ne7 18. Qd7+ 18... Kf8 19. Qd8+ 19... Rxd8 20. Rxd8#