The back-rank mate
Beginner · Tactics
Taking advantage of a king trapped behind its pawns.
The idea
When the king has castled and its three pawns are still in front of it, it has no escape square. A rook or queen reaching the back rank then gives mate.
Staying safe
To avoid this mate, make a “luft” by pushing a pawn (h3 or g3 for White) at the right moment.
Your turn
Find the mate in one in the position below.
White to play · mate in 1 move