Tactical Patterns | Back-Rank Tactics

Back-Rank Tactics happen when you can make threats on your opponent’s exposed back rank and use this for tactical purposes.

This tactical idea, along with other key tactics, is explained in my chess tactics video course:

Back-Rank Tactics Example #1

White to move.

Solution

1. Qxc6 Rxd1+ 2. Rxd1 Qxc6 3. Rd8+ Qe8 4. Rxe8#

Back-Rank Tactics Example #2

Black to move.

Solution:

1… Qf2+ 2. Kh1 Qf1+ 3. Rxf1 Rxf1#

Back-Rank Tactics Example #3

White to move.

Solution:

1. Qxe5 Qxe5 2. Nxf7+ Rxf7 3. Rd8+ Qe8 4. Rxe8+ Rf8 5. Rxf8#