Mate in two
In short
Mate in two requires real calculation: your first move, the opponent’s possible replies, and your mate against each one. Begin with checks, but also consider quiet moves that take away the last escape squares.
By the end you can
- Calculate a two-move mating sequence
- Check every defence before playing
The lesson
Mate in two requires real calculation: your first move, the opponent’s possible replies, and your mate against each one. Begin with checks, but also consider quiet moves that take away the last escape squares.
Before you play the first move, verify every legal reply. A combination that works against three defences but fails against the fourth is not a combination.
Key points to remember
- Your move → all replies → mate each time
- Try checks first, then squeezing quiet moves
- Verify every defence
Examples
Show the solution
54. Qg3+ Ke4 55. Qe3#
Show the solution
16. Nxf6+ gxf6 17. Qh7#
Practise it
Solve puzzles on this idea: mate in 2 puzzles, back-rank mate puzzles.
Homework
15 mate-in-two puzzles without moving the pieces before you are sure.
Free further reading
- Checkmates for Four Pieces, William Brett Fishburne (2003, public domain)
More checkmates lessons
- Checkmate and stalemate (Foundation)
- First mating patterns (Foundation)
- Mate with king and queen (Novice)
- Mate with king and rook (Novice)
- Ladder mate and classic patterns (Novice)
- Mating attacks in three moves (Class E)