Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (745)

After the setup move Nxd8, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Nxd8. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0DTOh

Rating

745

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Hanging Piece, Mate

Material

White is ahead by 5 points

FEN

3N1rk1/3R1p2/p2n2pq/3p3p/P7/5Q2/1P3PPP/2R3K1 b - - 0 29

What to look for

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

29... Qxc1+ 30. Qd1 30... Qxd1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

29. Nxd8 29... Qxc1+ 30. Qd1 30... Qxd1#