Back-Rank Mate: a theory course

A rook or queen can mate a king on its back rank when the king has no escape square.

5 lessons, each followed by its own puzzle drill, then 10 themed puzzle packs.

• The Back-Rank Mate — Recognize a back-rank mate.
• Remove the Guard — Capture the piece defending the back rank.
• Deflect the Guard — Draw the defender away from the back rank.
• The Overloaded Guard — Make the defender choose between two important targets.
• Open the Rank — Open the back rank with a calculated sacrifice.