Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (838)

After the setup move dxe3, it is White to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after dxe3. White to move.

Puzzle ID

0kB2g

Rating

838

Side to move

White

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Endgame, Hanging Piece

Material

Black is ahead by 7 points

FEN

r5k1/5ppp/8/4p3/p7/3bpQP1/5PKP/2r5 w - - 0 29

What to look for

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

29. Qxa8+ 29... Rc8 30. Qxc8#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

28... dxe3 29. Qxa8+ 29... Rc8 30. Qxc8#