Open in the app

Back-rank mate in 3 on h3

li-03xKf
Puzzle rating: 890Theme: Back rank: the king is trapped behind its own pawns — use that.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
White to move — find the best continuation

Solve in the app

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

34. Bh3+ g4 35. Bxg4+ Kb8 36. Rd8#

Why it works

  • Great move! bishop to h3 keeps the pressure (#2).
  • Well found: bishop to g4 (#1).
  • Strong! rook to d8 is the sharp choice (#).
  • The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
  • If instead g4, then Bxg4+ and you stay on top.

Similar puzzles

Free, no ads · Android 8.0+ · coming soon to Google Play

Embed

Copy this code to embed the board on your site: