Chess Patterns: Back Rank Checkmate

In my last blog, I talked about studying chess, and in there I mentioned that studying tactics is important. I then talked about the purpose of puzzles, the process of solving, and different studying methods. However, I didn't talk about specific patterns to learn, which we will cover in this blog. 

NOTE: Intermediate players don't stop reading! The pattern is basic, however it builds into more complicated tactics (puzzle 10-19). Additionally, going back to the basics is often a very good refresher so I encourage you to look through each position.

Back Rank

The backrank is perhaps one of the most well-known checkmates (along with the scholar's mate). Not to mention, the backrank checkmate can happen very easily in games, this is why knowing the different checkmating patterns under the backrank “umbrella” is key to all chess players. I will show you 12 basic patterns of which all back-rank ideas will build off of.

Pattern 1

Pattern 2

Pattern 3

Pattern 4

Pattern 5

Pattern 6

Pattern 7

Pattern 8

Pattern 9

Pattern 10

Pattern 11

Pattern 12

When Backrank does not work

Defensive Pattern 1

Defensive Pattern 2

Defensive Pattern 3

Practice

Now that you’ve learned the many patterns involved with the backrank, it is now time for you to apply what you learned. I have found 19 positions from various games, that all involve some kind of back rank idea. These puzzles will increase in difficulty, (although it may not be perfectly arranged). In any case I encourage you to look at all of them, and understand the idea behind each move.

Puzzle 1

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 4

Puzzle 5

Puzzle 6

Puzzle 7

Puzzle 8 

Puzzle 9

Puzzle 10

Puzzle 11

Puzzle 12

Puzzle 13

Puzzle 14

Puzzle 15

Puzzle 16

Puzzle 17

Puzzle 18

Puzzle 19

This blog served as a great reminder that even the most basic tactic such as the backrank checkmate can involve complex ideas. This is why it is important to constantly study tactics so you are always aware when these patterns show up over the chess board.