Back-rank mates in two, part 3 is lesson 3 of 6 in Back-rank mates, a checkmate course suited to players rated around 900 (beginners). Often the back rank is guarded once. Drive off or exchange the guard with a check or a sacrifice, then mate on the back rank. More positions, a little harder. It has 10 interactive exercises: 10 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. (7 positions)
Black to move: mate in 2. (3 positions)
Worked examples
White to move: mate in 2. 1.Ra8+ Rd8 2.Rxd8#. The rook mated on d8: the king was shut in on the back rank by its own pawns. Mate in 2.
White to move: mate in 2. 1.Re5+ Qe7 2.Qh8#. The queen mated on h8: the king was shut in on the back rank by its own pawns. Mate in 2.
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