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Back-rank mate in 2 on a8

li-005N7
Puzzle rating: 651Theme: Back rank: the king is trapped behind its own pawns — use that.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

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The tactical motive

Back rank: the king is trapped behind its own pawns — use that.

White to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

33. Rxa8+ Qb8 34. Rxb8#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (#1).
  • Well found: rook to b8 (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 2.
  • If instead Qb8, then Rxb8# and it is mate.

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