Advanced checkmate · 10 of 15
The hook mate
A rook mates next to the king, guarded by a knight that a pawn guards in turn.
- Learn how it worksThree examples with Capra. You play each one yourself.Three examples with CapraStart the lesson
- Practise on real puzzlesPractise on puzzles80 hook mate puzzles, from easy to very hard.0 of 80 solvedGo to the puzzlesGo to the puzzles
The hook, three ways
The pawn guards the knight, the knight guards the rook, and the rook lands next to the king.
Rook behind the king
The rook mates from g8, guarded by the knight on f6.
Knight check first
The knight checks from f6. Next the rook takes on h7, right beside the king.
Knight on the edge
A rook check on the back rank starts it. The knight on h6 guards g8.
Hook mates in numbers
Counted from the 632 hook mates in our puzzle library, all taken from real games- 1 in 450
of our puzzles ends with a hook mate.
- 63%
of them are mate in 1.
- 79%
of them come in the endgame.
Which piece makes the first move
- Rook88%
- Knight10%
- Pawn1%
- Queen1%
- Bishop0%
How many moves the mate takes
- Mate in 163%
- Mate in 234%
- Mate in 32%
- Mate in 40%
- Mate in 5+0%
Good to know
Hook mates: common questions
What is a hook mate in chess?
A hook mate uses a rook, a knight and a pawn. The rook gives check from a square next to the king, the knight guards the rook, and the pawn guards the knight. One of the king's own pawns blocks his last way out.
Why is it called a hook mate?
Because of the shape. The pawn, the knight and the rook stand in a bent line that curls round the king like a hook.
How do I spot a hook mate?
Look for a knight close to the enemy king with a pawn guarding it. If your rook can reach a square next to the king that the knight guards, count the squares the king has left.
How do I defend against a hook mate?
Chase the knight away or take it before the rook arrives, and keep a piece guarding the squares next to your king. Moving the pawn that blocks your king also gives him a square to run to.