Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (698)

After the setup move Qxe4, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Qxe4. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0URFn

Rating

698

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Mate

Material

White is ahead by 1 point

FEN

6k1/3n1p1p/3p2p1/2pP4/1p2QP2/8/rPP3PP/7K b - - 0 26

What to look for

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

26... Ra1+ 27. Qe1 27... Rxe1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

26. Qxe4 26... Ra1+ 27. Qe1 27... Rxe1#