Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (497)

After the setup move Rxb7, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxb7. White to move.

Puzzle ID

06fUn

Rating

497

Side to move

White

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Mate

Material

Black is ahead by 7 points

FEN

7k/1r4pp/p2p2q1/1p2p3/4P2b/1P6/P4PPP/2R2RK1 w - - 0 26

What to look for

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

26. Rc8+ 26... Bd8 27. Rxd8+ 27... Qe8 28. Rxe8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

25... Rxb7 26. Rc8+ 26... Bd8 27. Rxd8+ 27... Qe8 28. Rxe8#