The energy accumulation induced by abutment pressure and its burst release is one of the root causes of strain-mode rockburst. Firstly

the coal seam ahead of a coal face is divided into three zones

i.e.

hindering zone

driving zone and unobvious influenced zone. The strain-mode rockburst from gestating to occurring is divided into three stages: energy steady accumulation

energy balance and energy unstable release. The basic condition of rockburst occurrence is discussed in detail

and then an energy criterion of abutment pressure induced strain-mode rockburst is established. Based on criterion

it is stated that the ratio of elastic strain energy released by the driving zone to energy consumed by hindering zone is higher than one when the mechanical equilibrium of coal and rock mass is destroyed. Secondly

a concept of critical width of the hindering zone is defined from the point of view of preventing rockburst

and an occurrence criterion of strain-mode rockburst is developed with a factor of the width of hindering zone. Finally

theoretical results and in-situ investigations show that both the energy criterion and the factors have reasonable accuracy and reliability in engineering application. This study can provide basis for forecasting strain-mode rockburst induced by abutment pressure and for implementing relevant preventive measures.