Checkmate Patterns · Lesson 35 of 92
The Back-Rank Mate
The black king is trapped behind his own pawns — his fatal weakness. Deliver mate in one.
Find the winning move
Show the solution
Re8#! The most common mate in all of chess. Remember it — and guard your OWN back rank.
Watch it play out
The position, then the answer.
The complete guide
This drill is one step. The full write-up — every rule, every pattern, every common mistake — is in the complete guide.
Practise this on a live board
This lesson is one of 92 in the Grandmaster Academy — every one playable, with the pieces moving under your hand.
♔ Practise this lesson free