Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (830)

After the setup move Rxb2, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Rxb2. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

07OAB

Rating

830

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 2

Material

White is ahead by 7 points

FEN

2r3k1/p4ppp/3Qb3/8/2qPN3/P3P1P1/1R4PP/R6K b - - 0 28

What to look for

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

28... Qc1+ 29. Rxc1 29... Rxc1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

28. Rxb2 28... Qc1+ 29. Rxc1 29... Rxc1#