Spot mate and avoid stalemate

What you will learn

1. 01

   One rook on the back rank

   First steps · 3 min

   Pawns can trap their own king. Look for a check along the rank it occupies.

2. 02

   The same danger for White

   First steps · 3 min

   You play Black. The white king is trapped behind its pawns.

3. 03

   The queen needs support

   First steps · 3 min

   A queen beside the enemy king needs protection from capture. Your king can provide that support.

4. 04

   Supported mate as Black

   First steps · 3 min

   The black king can help its queen when few pieces remain.

5. 05

   Make it check, not stalemate

   First steps · 3 min

   Trapping the king is not enough: without check and without legal moves, the game is drawn.

6. 06

   Check for stalemate as Black

   First steps · 3 min

   An extra queen does not guarantee a win. Before closing the last exit, check whether it is check.