The early queen and Scholar's Mate is lesson 2 of 2 in Opening principles, a strategy course suited to players rated around 650 (beginners). Beginners love to attack f7 with the queen and bishop. Learn the trick and how to stop it. It has 4 interactive exercises: 4 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
The queen on h5 and the bishop on c4 both aim at f7, a square only the black king protects. If Black ignores it, Qxf7 is checkmate. This is the Scholar's Mate.
What you practise
Black just attacked your queen with a knight and forgot about f7. Checkmate in one!
Now you are Black. White threatens Qxf7 mate. Defend f7!
The queen came back to f3 and aims at f7 again. Develop a piece that blocks her.
White brought the queen out on move 2. She attacks your e5 pawn. Protect it while developing a piece.
Worked examples
Now you are Black. White threatens Qxf7 mate. Defend f7! Good: f7 is safe now, and the queen's attack is blocked.
The queen came back to f3 and aims at f7 again. Develop a piece that blocks her. Exactly. Now White's queen has wasted three moves and you have developed.
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