Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (818)

After the setup move Bh3, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Bh3. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0OA31

Rating

818

Side to move

White

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 2

Material

Black is ahead by 1 point

FEN

2r3kr/4Rppp/Q7/7P/2pP1K2/4NPBb/P2q3P/8 w - - 5 31

What to look for

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

31. Qxc8+ 31... Bxc8 32. Re8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

30... Bh3 31. Qxc8+ 31... Bxc8 32. Re8#