Chess for Beginners

Checkmate Concepts

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Checkmate concepts
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Unless your opponent resigns (gives up) the way to win a game is to make a checkmate. There are a number of patterns of common checkmates.

Two of the most common checkmate patterns:
 

In the end game, checkmate usually occurs when a king is at the edge of the board: There are fewer squares onto which the king can escape. See "How to checkmate your opponent."

Remember to watch out for what you opponent can do. If you make the move you had planned, can your opponent check mate your king? If so, you should look for a different move.