Back-rank mate in 3 on a8 (f3)
li-03Q6iPuzzle rating: 1128Theme: 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
28. Qxa8+ Rxa8 29. Rxa8+ Qb8 30. Rxb8#
Why it works
- Great move! queen to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Well found: rook to a8 (#1).
- Strong! rook to b8 is the sharp choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Rxa8, then Rxa8+ and you stay on top.
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