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Checkmate Patterns to Know
Four mating positions to recognise, with the pieces doing each defensive job clearly marked on the board.
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Back-rank mate
A rook or queen checks along the king’s back rank while the king’s own pawns deny its flight squares.
Smothered mate
A knight mates a king hemmed in by its own pieces.
King & queen mate
The queen, protected by its king, mates on the edge.
King & rook mate
Kings in opposition; the rook checks along the edge.