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Back-rank mate in 3 on d8 (d5)

li-01XIa
Puzzle rating: 1897Theme: 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

28. Qd8+ Rxd8 29. Rxd8+ Bxd8 30. Re8#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to d8 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: rook to d8 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to e8 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Rxd8, then Rxd8+ and you stay on top.

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