Back-rank mate in 3 on e8
li-04x8iShuffle Rating 1161Theme: 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
20. Re8+ Rd8 21. Be6+ Kb8 22. Rxd8#
Why it works
- Great move! rook to e8 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Well found: bishop to e6 (#1).
- Strong! rook to d8 is the sharp choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Rd8, then Be6+ and you stay on top.
Similar puzzles
Free, no ads · Android 8.0+ · coming soon to Google Play