Endgame 10: Bishop and knight mate

The hardest basic mate, long two-bishop mates and the toughest endgame defences. This is an endgame course with 6 lessons and 41 interactive exercises, suited to players rated around 2400 (advanced players). Every exercise is played on a real board with feedback after each move, there is nothing to install, and it is free.

Lessons in Endgame 10: Bishop and knight mate

1. Bishop and knight mate – The hardest basic mate: it only works in a corner of the bishop's colour.
2. Bishop and knight: the long way – Driving the king to the right corner: the knight makes a W-shaped trip while bishop and king hold the net.
3. Two bishops: the long way – Longer mates with two bishops: restrict the king step by step without letting it escape.
4. Endgame defence – Find the only moves that hold the draw.
5. Pawn endings in practice – Pawn endings from games: count tempi, use the opposition, make a passed pawn.
6. Rook endings in practice – Rook endings from games: active rooks, passed pawns and well-timed checks.

Next steps

• Endgame 9: Queen against rook, rook against minor piece – Queen beats rook with exact moves; rook against knight or bishop: when it wins and how to hold.

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