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Core SkillsChapter 10 · Checkmate geometry

Recognize the cage.
Finish without guessing.

Mate patterns compress calculation because you already know the geometry.

ConceptUnderstand before you move

Master back-rank, ladder, smothered, corridor, hook, Arabian, Anastasia, Boden, and Greek-gift attacking patterns—plus king-and-queen and king-and-rook technique.

  • First identify the king’s flight squares.
  • Then identify which piece guards each escape or interposition square.
  • A check is mate only after captures, blocks, and king moves are all ruled out.
Last moveStartInitial positionWhite to move
FEN & PGNTap any move above for its position+
FEN · current
6k1/5ppp/8/8/8/8/8/4R1K1 w - - 0 1
PGN · through this move
Moves will appear here as you play.
♘
Your move

Black’s own pawns form a cage. Deliver back-rank mate.