![\"Checkmate](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Checkmate-without-check-i-chess.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis piece will explore these two instances and how they come about. We’ll also take a closer look at the rules and conventions surrounding check and checkmate, just in case you’re new to the game. And answer some of the most common questions learners have regarding the check and checkmate position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with any of the terms we’ve used so far. We’ll clear everything up as we go along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Differentiating Between Check and Checkmate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCheck and checkmate are very similar, which is why beginners often have trouble making the distinction between them. Here’s a simple way of defining the terms so that you shouldn’t have any problems in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is a Check Position?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe check position comes about when a player’s king is placed under threat of attack but retains a legal means of escaping to safety. There are three methods of avoiding danger to your king exist, as follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Moving another piece to take up a position directly between the attacking piece and your king.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Moving your king out of harm’s way onto a safe square nearby.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turning the tables and capturing the attacking piece instead.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"chess](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/chess-board-trying-to-checkmate-without-chess.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is a Checkmate Position?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCheckmate also referred to as mate, comes about when a player’s king is faced with a threat that they have no legal way of evading. This condition signifies the end of the game. With the side that has been checkmated being the loser and the player that enacted the checkmate being the winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Fool’s Mate<\/strong> in Chess?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis is the first example of a checkmate arrived at without going through a check position. Here’s how players arrive at this position:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- White begins the game by moving their pawn to f3<\/strong>. Black then responds by moving their pawn to e5<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White moves their pawn to\u00a0g4<\/strong>, and black responds by moving their queen to\u00a0h4<\/strong>. Thus placing black’s king in checkmate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You will notice that white will have no options by which to save their king, as there are no legal, safe squares available to move to. To make matters worse, all other avenues of rescue are unavailable because the attacking queen cannot be taken. And there aren’t any white pieces in a position where they can be moved to block the line of attack.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Who](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Who-Gets-To-Play-The-White-Pieces-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe result is that white will be checkmated in two moves. Which is why this play is also referred to as the two-move checkmate<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs you might imagine, this is a rare occurrence in chess once you get past amateur skill levels. But it is entirely possible and legal. If you ever have the opportunity to pull this off. Consider yourself lucky or look for more skilled opponents to give you a more significant challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Scholar’s Mate<\/strong> in Chess?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis is another possible checkmate without check scenario to look out for that develops as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- White starts the game by moving a pawn to e4<\/strong>, to which black responds by moving their pawn to e5<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White then moves their The History of Chess Bishops (And Why They Have a Cut on Top)<\/a>bishop to\u00a0c4<\/strong>, thus attacking black’s\u00a0f7<\/strong>\u00a0pawn. Black responds to this by moving their knight to\u00a0c6<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White moves their queen out to h5<\/strong>, putting further pressure on black’s f7<\/strong> pawn. Black then moves their knight to f6<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White then finally captures black’s f7<\/strong> pawn and places black’s king.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
In this instance, checkmate will come about because the black king will not be in a position to attack the white queen<\/a>. This is because the queen is protected by its bishop. Such a move would be illegal as the king would still be under attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn addition, the black king will not have any other move since all the squares around it are blocked. So there is no possibility of moving another piece between the king and its attacker. This play brings the game to a checkmate position in four moves and is referred to as the four-move checkmate<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-chess-game-in-checkmate.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile viewing this scenario, you will notice that the\u00a0f7<\/strong>\u00a0pawn is particularly weak compared to other pieces on the board since it’s only protected by the king at the beginning of the game. The fact that we can’t use a king to protect a pawn (we can’t place a king in danger as it leads to losing the game) means that our goal should be to find the best strategies available to protect our\u00a0f7<\/strong>pawns.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Happens When Neither Side Can Checkmate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhile each player in the game starts with the goal of emerging victorious, this isn’t always possible. In some instances, the game might evolve so neither side can get their opponent in a checkmate position. What happens next is referred to as a draw. Let’s explore the different types of draw conditions there are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/check-in-chess-but-not-checkmate.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStraight Draws<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn most cases where neither player can checkmate their opponent, the game will end in a draw. Where neither player wins, and both are awarded one point if they’re playing competitively. There are, however, a couple of variations regarding draws.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the scenario is such that none of the players can checkmate their opponent by any series of legal moves, then this is referred to as a ‘dead position,’ whereby a win cannot be declared for either player. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An example might involve one player only having a king left on the board. While the other only has their king and one bishop. It might also happen when both players only have their kings left. The condition is officially registered as a ‘draw to insufficient material for mating.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stalemates in Chess<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA stalemate in chess<\/a> occurs when either player cannot be checkmated and is not in check. While the player is out of legal moves to push the game forward from that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRepeated Move Draw<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEvery game of chess should show a clear progression. Otherwise, it is considered a moot game, necessitating a draw. One of the signs that a game is not progressing, either way, is the repetition of a similar position three times within the same game. The referee has the discretion to call the game a draw in such cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Timeout Draws<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProfessional games are played with a time limit to prevent the possibility of games dragging on for hours unnecessarily. Each player will have a chess clock<\/a> with a set amount of time, and they will switch as their turns shift from one to the other. If one player runs out of time on their clock, they will lose the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"old](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Old-white-analogue-chess-clock-1024x730.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis, however, will only be the case if their opponent has a series of legal moves they can make to achieve a checkmate position. If the situation is such that there wasn’t any chance of the opponent placing them in checkmate, no matter how long the game might have gone on, the game will end in a timeout draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second Illegal Move Draw<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The check position comes about when a player’s king is placed under threat of attack but retains a legal means of escaping to safety. There are three methods of avoiding danger to your king exist, as follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Moving another piece to take up a position directly between the attacking piece and your king.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Moving your king out of harm’s way onto a safe square nearby.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turning the tables and capturing the attacking piece instead.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What is a Checkmate Position?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Checkmate also referred to as mate, comes about when a player’s king is faced with a threat that they have no legal way of evading. This condition signifies the end of the game. With the side that has been checkmated being the loser and the player that enacted the checkmate being the winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Fool’s Mate<\/strong> in Chess?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is the first example of a checkmate arrived at without going through a check position. Here’s how players arrive at this position:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- White begins the game by moving their pawn to f3<\/strong>. Black then responds by moving their pawn to e5<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White moves their pawn to\u00a0g4<\/strong>, and black responds by moving their queen to\u00a0h4<\/strong>. Thus placing black’s king in checkmate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
You will notice that white will have no options by which to save their king, as there are no legal, safe squares available to move to. To make matters worse, all other avenues of rescue are unavailable because the attacking queen cannot be taken. And there aren’t any white pieces in a position where they can be moved to block the line of attack.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe result is that white will be checkmated in two moves. Which is why this play is also referred to as the two-move checkmate<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you might imagine, this is a rare occurrence in chess once you get past amateur skill levels. But it is entirely possible and legal. If you ever have the opportunity to pull this off. Consider yourself lucky or look for more skilled opponents to give you a more significant challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Scholar’s Mate<\/strong> in Chess?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is another possible checkmate without check scenario to look out for that develops as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- White starts the game by moving a pawn to e4<\/strong>, to which black responds by moving their pawn to e5<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White then moves their The History of Chess Bishops (And Why They Have a Cut on Top)<\/a>bishop to\u00a0c4<\/strong>, thus attacking black’s\u00a0f7<\/strong>\u00a0pawn. Black responds to this by moving their knight to\u00a0c6<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White moves their queen out to h5<\/strong>, putting further pressure on black’s f7<\/strong> pawn. Black then moves their knight to f6<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White then finally captures black’s f7<\/strong> pawn and places black’s king.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
In this instance, checkmate will come about because the black king will not be in a position to attack the white queen<\/a>. This is because the queen is protected by its bishop. Such a move would be illegal as the king would still be under attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the black king will not have any other move since all the squares around it are blocked. So there is no possibility of moving another piece between the king and its attacker. This play brings the game to a checkmate position in four moves and is referred to as the four-move checkmate<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile viewing this scenario, you will notice that the\u00a0f7<\/strong>\u00a0pawn is particularly weak compared to other pieces on the board since it’s only protected by the king at the beginning of the game. The fact that we can’t use a king to protect a pawn (we can’t place a king in danger as it leads to losing the game) means that our goal should be to find the best strategies available to protect our\u00a0f7<\/strong>pawns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Happens When Neither Side Can Checkmate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While each player in the game starts with the goal of emerging victorious, this isn’t always possible. In some instances, the game might evolve so neither side can get their opponent in a checkmate position. What happens next is referred to as a draw. Let’s explore the different types of draw conditions there are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStraight Draws<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In most cases where neither player can checkmate their opponent, the game will end in a draw. Where neither player wins, and both are awarded one point if they’re playing competitively. There are, however, a couple of variations regarding draws.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the scenario is such that none of the players can checkmate their opponent by any series of legal moves, then this is referred to as a ‘dead position,’ whereby a win cannot be declared for either player. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An example might involve one player only having a king left on the board. While the other only has their king and one bishop. It might also happen when both players only have their kings left. The condition is officially registered as a ‘draw to insufficient material for mating.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stalemates in Chess<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A stalemate in chess<\/a> occurs when either player cannot be checkmated and is not in check. While the player is out of legal moves to push the game forward from that point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Repeated Move Draw<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Every game of chess should show a clear progression. Otherwise, it is considered a moot game, necessitating a draw. One of the signs that a game is not progressing, either way, is the repetition of a similar position three times within the same game. The referee has the discretion to call the game a draw in such cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Timeout Draws<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Professional games are played with a time limit to prevent the possibility of games dragging on for hours unnecessarily. Each player will have a chess clock<\/a> with a set amount of time, and they will switch as their turns shift from one to the other. If one player runs out of time on their clock, they will lose the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis, however, will only be the case if their opponent has a series of legal moves they can make to achieve a checkmate position. If the situation is such that there wasn’t any chance of the opponent placing them in checkmate, no matter how long the game might have gone on, the game will end in a timeout draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second Illegal Move Draw<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- White then moves their The History of Chess Bishops (And Why They Have a Cut on Top)<\/a>bishop to\u00a0c4<\/strong>, thus attacking black’s\u00a0f7<\/strong>\u00a0pawn. Black responds to this by moving their knight to\u00a0c6<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- White moves their pawn to\u00a0g4<\/strong>, and black responds by moving their queen to\u00a0h4<\/strong>. Thus placing black’s king in checkmate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- White begins the game by moving their pawn to f3<\/strong>. Black then responds by moving their pawn to e5<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Chess](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chess-training.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"checkmate](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/checkmate-or-check-in-chess.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/chessarea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/two-kings-checkmate.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n