Back-rank mate in 3 on a8
li-02LqePuzzle rating: 602Theme: 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
25. Ra8+ Rd8 26. Rxd8+ Re8 27. Rxe8#
Why it works
- Great move! rook to a8 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 Rd8, then Rxd8+ and you win the rook.
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