Basic checkmates

Win the won games: the two-rook ladder, mate with king and queen, and mate with king and rook, played out against a defending king. This is a checkmate course with 3 lessons and 7 interactive exercises, suited to players rated around 550 (complete beginners). Every exercise is played on a real board with feedback after each move, there is nothing to install, and it is free.

Lessons in Basic checkmates

1. The two-rook ladder – Two rooks can mate without any help from the king.
2. King and queen – The queen can't mate alone, but with her king's help it is easy, if you avoid stalemate.
3. King and rook – With one rook it takes a bit longer, but the plan is simple.

Next steps

• Piece values and good trades – Pawn 1, knight 3, bishop 3, rook 5, queen 9: use the points to decide which captures and trades are good for you.

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