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.

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.

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