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Back-rank mate in 3 on e7

li-02gWm
Puzzle rating: 1471Theme: 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

26. Qe7+ Kc8 27. Qe8+ Rxe8 28. Rxe8#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to e7 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: queen to e8 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to e8 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Kc8, then Qe8+ and you stay on top.

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