Back Rank Mate Puzzle

The back rank mate is one of the most common checkmate patterns in chess. It happens when a king is trapped behind its own pawns on the back rank with no escape squares, and a rook or queen delivers checkmate along that rank. In this position, Black's king on g8 is hemmed in by the pawns on f7, g7, and h7.

The Position

White to move. White to move and deliver back rank mate.

FEN: 6k1/5ppp/8/8/8/8/8/R5K1 w - - 0 1

Tags: Checkmate, Back Rank

How to Solve It

  1. Look at Black's king on g8 and notice it has no escape squares: f7, g7, and h7 are all blocked by Black's own pawns.
  2. The White rook on a1 has a clear path along the eighth rank.
  3. Move the rook to a8, delivering check along the back rank.
  4. Black has no piece to block or capture, and the king cannot move. The answer is Ra8#.

Solution

The winning move is Ra8#.

More Puzzles

Browse more chess puzzles or upload your own position to solve with AI coaching.