Checkmate patterns
Most checkmates follow a few patterns. Learn to see these four: the back-rank mate (a rook or queen on the last row, the king trapped by its own pawns), the smothered mate (a knight checks a king boxed in by its own pieces), the queen kiss (the queen right next to the king, protected) and the rook ladder (two rooks push the king to the edge).
- Stop a back-rank mate: give the king a free square, for example with h3 or h6.
Teach it
- DoSet up the back-rank board: black king g8, pawns f7, g7, h7, white rook e1.
- Ask“Where can the rook give checkmate?”
- Child“On e8. The pawns trap their own king.”
- Say“That is the back-rank mate. Watch out for it in your own games too.”
Your turn!
Back-rank mate: White to move, checkmate in one.
Three quick questions
In a back-rank mate, what traps the king?
Which piece gives a smothered mate?
How can you stop a back-rank mate?
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White to move. Checkmate in one.
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White to move. Checkmate in one.
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White to move. Checkmate in one.
Answers: Checkmate patterns
- Rook e8.
- Knight f7.
- Rook b8.
Questions parents ask
What is a back-rank checkmate?
A rook or queen checks the king along its back row, and the king can't escape because his own pawns block the squares in front of him.
What is a smothered mate?
A knight gives check to a king that is surrounded by his own pieces, so he has no square to go to.
Rules checked against FIDE Laws of Chess, taking effect from 1 January 2023 (Article 5.1) on . Found something to fix? Tell us on the contact page.