Back rank mate puzzles

A back rank mate happens when a castled king never got an escape square - its own pawns wall it in - and a rook or queen reaches the back rank with check.

Defenders try to cover that rank, so the puzzle is usually about removing or deflecting the one piece guarding it.

How to spot it

• Three unmoved pawns in front of a king are a warning sign.
• Count attackers and defenders of the back rank.
• Deflect or overload the defender, then land on the rank.