Concept
Back-rank mate
King stuck on the back rank, pawn shield blocking the exits, no defender on the rank. One heavy piece slides over. Mate. Scan for it every move.
Remember
- • Signature setup: king on the back rank, pawn shield untouched in front of it.
- • A single rook or queen reaching the back rank: mate, if no defender.
- • Defense: push a pawn to give the king some breathing room (luft).
- • Attack: remove the back-rank defender, then crash in.