What are the symptoms of a weak back rank? In the search for answers beyond immediately threatening back rank mates. How early is it possible to spot that you'll have problems down the aisle, from a strategic perspective? What are the defining characteristics of this position?
One of the most famous chess games ever. Both sides have back rank mates!

29...Qb2!! (0-1) wins the game for Black by back-rank mate


  http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1261680





None of the king-side pawns move
Both kings are behind the pawns and have no escape square
There are open-files on the board
Both side has a rook and a queen exploring the open files
No white rook on the back rank defending (the white rook is on the third rank)
The white queen is the only piece guarding the f1 square