Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (454)

After the setup move Rxc8, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxc8. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0Fje7

Rating

454

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Mate

Material

White is ahead by 6 points

FEN

2R2bk1/5p2/6pQ/8/4p3/pP2P3/r5PP/7K b - - 0 37

What to look for

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

37... Ra1+ 38. Rc1 38... Rxc1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

37. Rxc8 37... Ra1+ 38. Rc1 38... Rxc1#