Video Series: Basic Checkmates

Basic Checkmates


We introduce the concept of checkmate, and some basics of using the pieces one by one with checkmates that are possible at the end of the game. All of these mates should be practiced many times until the player is confident that they have mastered it. Try doing them faster and faster for fun!


King and Queen Mate

Being able to checkmate with a queen and king against a king is very important. It might seem hard, but it's actually pretty easy once you learn the plan and the pattern.

Rook Roller

The "Rook Roller" is a pattern which can be used to checkmate with two rooks against a lone king.

Bank Rank Checkmates

FM Mike Klein explains what makes the back rank so important, how to checkmate on it, and how to avoid being mated there.

Help Needed for Checkmate

FM Mike Klein gives you the recipe for an easy checkmate using an important concept: the helper. Learn how to use your pieces to help one another to trap and destroy the enemy king.

King and Rook Mate

Checkmating with a king and rook against a lone king is a basic checkmate every chess player must know by heart.

Checkmating with the Two Bishops

Checkmating the lone king with only two bishops is another very important basic endgame to learn. If you learn how the "killer Bs" team up together, it's easy! Learn how to win with two bishops and no pawns!

Checkmating with Bishop and Knight

Unlike with two knights, it is possible to force a mate with a bishop and knight against a lone king. This is the hardest of the "pawnless endings" but with LOTS of practice, you can do it!

Smothered Checkmate

Only one mate happens when the king is blocked in by his own pieces, and that's the Smothered Checkmate.

Ten Fancy Checkmates

There are many basic checkmates, which you have already seen. But there are also some fancier checkmate patterns which are important to know, because the happen often.