Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (457)

After the setup move Rxe1, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxe1. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0BtyY

Rating

457

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Mate

Material

White is ahead by 12 points

FEN

4r1k1/2Q2ppp/8/8/P1Pp4/3P4/2P1rPPP/R3R1K1 b - - 0 20

What to look for

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

20... Rxe1+ 21. Rxe1 21... Rxe1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

20. Rxe1 20... Rxe1+ 21. Rxe1 21... Rxe1#