Back-rank mate in 3 on a8 (a7)
li-05KjqPuzzle rating: 1086Theme: 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
29. Ra8+ Bf8 30. Ne7+ Kh8 31. Rxf8#
Why it works
- Great move! rook to a8 keeps the pressure (#2).
- Well found: knight to e7 (#1).
- Strong! rook to f8 is the sharp choice (#).
- The line ends in a forced mate in 3.
- If instead Bf8, then Ne7+ and you stay on top.
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