Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (599)

After the setup move Bxf6, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Bxf6. White to move.

Puzzle ID

083nr

Rating

599

Side to move

White

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 2

Material

Material is level

FEN

3rr1k1/pbq2ppp/1p3b2/2pp4/5N2/1P1P1BP1/P1P1QP1P/R3R1K1 w - - 0 17

What to look for

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

17. Qxe8+ 17... Rxe8 18. Rxe8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

16... Bxf6 17. Qxe8+ 17... Rxe8 18. Rxe8#