Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (593)

After the setup move Bxb1, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Bxb1. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0jfQQ

Rating

593

Side to move

White

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Mate

Material

Black is ahead by 2 points

FEN

6k1/1p3ppp/p7/8/P7/2Rp3P/3BrPP1/1b3K2 w - - 0 25

What to look for

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

25. Rc8+ 25... Re8 26. Rxe8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

24... Bxb1 25. Rc8+ 25... Re8 26. Rxe8#