Back-rank mates is lesson 3 of 7 in Real-game tactics 1: Free pieces and first tactics, a tactics course suited to players rated around 600 (beginners). A king behind its own pawns can be mated on the back rank by a rook or a queen. It has 7 interactive exercises: 7 calculated lines from real positions. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What you practise
White to move: mate in 2. (3 positions)
Black to move: mate in 2. (4 positions)
Worked examples
White to move: mate in 2. 1.Qxf7+ Kh8 2.Rxc8#. The king was trapped on the back rank behind its own pawns. Mate in 2.
Black to move: mate in 2. 1...Bxd2+ 2.Kd1 Re1#. The king was trapped on the back rank behind its own pawns. Mate in 2.
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