Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (493)

After the setup move Qxa2, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qxa2. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

03QVV

Rating

493

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Mate

Material

White is ahead by 4 points

FEN

2r3k1/p2p1ppp/b3p3/3pP3/8/1P4R1/Q4PPP/6K1 b - - 0 22

What to look for

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

22... Rc1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

22. Qxa2 22... Rc1#