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Chess puzzles for beginners

Lesson 20 of 20 Age 8+ Time 15 minutes Before this forks and tactics

In short

Each puzzle has one move that gives checkmate. Look first at every check: which pieces can attack the king, and where can the king go?

  • Checks first: list every check before you choose.
  • Look at the king's free squares. Mate takes them all away.
a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Puzzle 1: White to move, mate in one.

Teach it

  1. DoShow one puzzle at a time.
  2. Say“One move wins the game. Find every check first.”
  3. Ask“Where can the black king go after your check?”
  4. TipGive a hint after a minute: name the piece that mates, not the square.
Hand the screen to your child

Your turn!

Puzzle 1: White to move. Mate in one.

Three quick questions

  1. What should you look at first in a mate puzzle?

  2. Checkmate means the king is attacked and...

  3. How many puzzles a day is a good start?

Practice sheet: Mate in one

One page, free to print, no sign-in. The answers print on the next page.

Mate in oneName ____________________
  1. a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1

    1. White to move. Mate in one.

  2. a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1

    2. White to move. Mate in one.

  3. a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1

    3. White to move. Mate in one.

  4. a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1

    4. White to move. Mate in one.

  5. a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1

    5. White to move. Mate in one.

  6. a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1

    6. White to move. Mate in one.

Answers: Mate in one

  1. Rook d8.
  2. Queen e7 (also queen b8, a8 or c8).
  3. Knight c7.
  4. Rook h8.
  5. Queen h5.
  6. Queen takes g7.

Questions parents ask

What is a mate in 1 puzzle?

A position where one move gives checkmate. You find the move.

How many chess puzzles should a beginner do?

A few a day is plenty. Short, regular practice helps more than a long session once a week.

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.