Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (1202)

After the setup move Rd1, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rd1. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0H27F

Rating

1202

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Mate

Material

Material is level

FEN

3r2k1/5ppp/p3p3/8/4N3/8/QP1p1qPP/3R3K b - - 1 37

What to look for

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

37... Qe1+ 38. Rxe1 38... dxe1=Q#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

37. Rd1 37... Qe1+ 38. Rxe1 38... dxe1=Q#