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Back-rank mate in 3 on e1

li-00Aq4
Puzzle rating: 1537Theme: Back rank: the king is trapped behind its own pawns — use that.
h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Black 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.

Black to move — find the best continuation

Solution & explanation

Main line

18... Re1+ 19. Rd1 Bxf4+ 20. Kb1 Rxd1#

Why it works

  • Great move! rook to e1 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: bishop to f4 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to d1 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Rd1, then Bxf4+ and you stay on top.

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