Chess for Beginners

Month: May 2005

  • The Smothered Mate

    A smothered mate occurs when a Knight gives checkmate because the opponent’s
    pieces block their own King’s escape.

    Smothered Mate

    This is the starting position for the Smothered Mate.

    Smothered Mate

    White is in double check from the White Queen and
    the White Knight.

    Smothered Mate

    The Queen sacrifices herself to force the Rook to
    g8 removing any possible escape routes for the Black King.

    Smothered Mate

    The White Knight returns to f7 to give Checkmate.

  • The Arabian Mate

    A corner based mate delivered by the Rook and the Knight working in tandem, the Arabian Mate is one of the earliest on record.