Checkmate is lesson 3 of 4 in Check, checkmate and stalemate, a basics course suited to players rated around 300 (complete beginners). Checkmate is check with no way out. It ends the game: whoever gives checkmate wins. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
Black's king is in check from the rook on a8. It cannot move (its own pawns are in the way), nothing can capture the rook and nothing can block. That is checkmate: White wins.
What you practise
Checkmate in one move!
Checkmate with the queen. Your king helps by covering squares.