Chess tactic

Back Rank Mate Puzzle (951)

After the setup move Nc7, it is Black to move. Find the forcing continuation before checking the solution.

Position after Nc7. Black to move.

Puzzle ID

0lLWg

Rating

951

Side to move

Black

Themes

Back Rank Mate, Mate, Mate in 2

Material

Material is level

FEN

4r1k1/1PN2ppp/1p4b1/5nQ1/q7/5B2/1P4PP/3R3K b - - 1 25

What to look for

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

25... Qxd1+ 26. Bxd1 26... Re1#

The full forcing line from the source position is:

25. Nc7 25... Qxd1+ 26. Bxd1 26... Re1#