Fool's mate: checkmate in two moves
Fool's mate is the fastest checkmate in chess: White plays 1. f3 and 2. g4, Black plays 1... e5 and 2... Qh4, checkmate. To stop it, don't move the f and g pawns at the start.
- The f and g pawns guard the king's diagonal. Moving both opens it.
- Black can lose the same way in three moves: 1. e4 g5 2. Nc3 f5 3. Qh5.
Teach it
- DoSet up the start position. You play White.
- DoPlay f3. Your child plays e5. Play g4.
- Ask“Can your queen reach my king now?”
- Child“Yes! Queen h4. Checkmate!”
- Say“Two moves, and the game is over. Never push both of these pawns at the start.”
Your turn!
You are Black. White played f3 and g4. Find checkmate in one.
Three quick questions
How many moves does fool's mate take?
Which pawns should you not push at the start?
Who gives the checkmate in fool's mate?
-
Black to move. Find checkmate in one.
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White to move. Find checkmate in one.
Answers: Quick mates
- Queen to h4.
- Queen to h5.
Questions parents ask
How do you win at chess in 2 moves?
Only Black can, and only if White helps: 1. f3 e5 2. g4 Qh4 is checkmate. This is fool's mate.
How do you win at chess in 3 moves?
If Black opens the king's diagonal: 1. e4 g5 2. Nc3 f5 3. Qh5 is checkmate. Against good moves there is no win in three.
Can White win in two moves?
No. White's fastest possible checkmate takes three moves.
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.