Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (1192)

After the setup move Qxh6, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qxh6. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0IR10

Rating

1192

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 3

Material

White is ahead by 2 points

FEN

3r1rk1/pp1b1qp1/2p3RQ/3p4/8/1P2P3/PBPP2PP/R5K1 b - - 0 21

What to look for

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

21... Qf2+ 22. Kh1 22... Qf1+ 23. Rxf1 23... Rxf1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

21. Qxh6 21... Qf2+ 22. Kh1 22... Qf1+ 23. Rxf1 23... Rxf1#