Learn How to Spot Back Rank Mate: Mate in 3
This middlegame puzzle shows a classic back rank mate pattern where the defender’s king is boxed in by its own pieces and the checking side uses forcing moves to exploit that lack of luft. The position looks active for both sides, but king safety is the real issue. White’s attack works because the black king has very limited escape squares, and the heavy pieces coordinate to create a mating net rather than win more material.