



The game is a stalemate and the game is declared a draw. Black has just promoted his f-pawn to a Queen, but now the white King can make no legal move without exposing himself to check. A stalemate occurs when the losing side cannot avoid exposing their King to check, but they are not yet in check! In addition, no other piece can make a legal move. This rule can be confusing and some advanced players still wonder why it does not count as a win. Then develop your pieces as instructed in the previous lessons.Īs opposed to checkmate, there is also the rule of "stalemate" which is a game ending in a draw. At this stage in your development, you should only move the pawns on the d-file or e-file two squares for your first move. The quickest checkmate is known as the two-move "Fool's Mate" and it demonstrates the danger of exposing the king. There are many other scenarios, but learning these four are essential! Of course checkmate can occur very early in a game with all of the pieces still on the board. King, Bishop and Knight (see diagram at the top of the page) The last two require a bit more patience and understanding. The first two of these four mating methods are the easiest to learn. In games featuring one or two beginners, more errors are made, so many of these games end in checkmates.įollowing are some rudimentary checkmates against the lone King. Checkmates are rare in games between advanced players because many players respectfully resign before forcing the opponent to play until the King is checkmated. Checkmate can be directly delivered by any piece on the board except for the opposing King. If it is not possible to get the King out of check with one of the three above options, then it is called "checkmate," or simply "mate." In Diagram #3 and #4, we see examples of checkmate.

All double checks must be met by a King move. Another situation that often has a deadly effect is the "double check." In Diagram #2, black must move his King because there is no way to capture the two checking pieces or block both checks in one move. When in check by a Knight, there is no blocking option. In Diagram #1, black can use all three of these options (noted by green arrows) to remove the King from danger. When a King is in check, there are three options: Black can (1) capture the checking piece (2) block the line of fire, or (3) move the King from the line of fire. In Diagram #1, the black King has been put in check by the white Bishop. The word "check" is merely saying, "King is in danger" and it demands immediate attention. Most everyone, including non-chessplayers know the words "check" and "checkmate." Many news stories you read often use chess metaphors to describe some unfolding event and sometimes will say someone has been checkmated. These are two words we often love to say, but hate to hear announced against us.
