The Arabian mate: first steps is lesson 2 of 9 in Mating patterns I, a checkmate course suited to players rated around 700 (beginners). Rook and knight against a king in the corner: the rook gives check right next to the king, the knight guards the rook and covers the escape square. Easier positions to start with. It has 9 interactive exercises: 9 calculated lines from real positions. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What you practise
Black to move: mate in one. (2 positions)
White to move: mate in one. (5 positions)
Black to move: mate in 2. (2 positions)
Worked examples
Black to move: mate in one. 1...Rxh2#. Arabian mate: the rook on h2 mated the cornered king, guarded by the knight on f3. Checkmate.
White to move: mate in one. 1.Rxh7#. Arabian mate: the rook on h7 mated the cornered king, guarded by the knight on f6. Checkmate.
chessGM