Back-rank mate in 2 on a8
li-005N7Shuffle Rating 651Theme: Back rank: the king is trapped behind its own pawns — use that.
White to move — find the best continuation
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.
Provenance
Derived from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0).
Verified by Stockfish at depth 20+.
Solution forcedness confirmed (verified).
Pack 001
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