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Back-rank mate in 3 on b1

li-038TX
Puzzle rating: 1182Theme: 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

25... Qxb1+ 26. Nxb1 Rd1+ 27. Ne1 Rxe1#

Why it works

  • Great move! queen to b1 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: rook to d1 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to e1 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead Nxb1, then Rd1+ and you stay on top.

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