Beginner checkmate · 9 of 11
Mate in 2
Two moves that force checkmate, whatever the reply in between.
- Learn how it worksThree examples with Capra. You play each one yourself.Three examples with CapraStart the lesson
- Practise on real puzzlesPractise on puzzles80 mate in 2 puzzles, from easy to very hard.0 of 80 solvedGo to the puzzlesGo to the puzzles
Three ways to start a mate in 2
The first move leaves the king with almost nothing. The second move takes the rest.
A check
The rook checks, and the king can only step back to the last rank.
A sacrifice
The queen has taken on h7 with check, and the king has to take her.
A quiet move
The queen threatens mate on g7, and nothing can cover that square.
Mates in 2 in numbers
Counted from the 64,363 mates in 2 in our puzzle library, all taken from real games- 1 in 4
of our puzzles ends with a mate in 2.
- 44%
of them start with a rook move.
- 61%
of them come in the endgame.
Which piece makes the first move
- Rook44%
- Queen43%
- Knight6%
- Bishop4%
- Pawn3%
How many moves the mate takes
- Mate in 2100%
Good to know
Mates in 2: common questions
What is a mate in 2 in chess?
A mate in 2 is a position where you can force checkmate with your second move. You move, your opponent replies, and your next move is mate whatever that reply was.
How do I find a mate in 2?
Start with the king: which squares can he go to, and what guards them? Then try your checks first, your captures next, and last the quiet moves that threaten mate. For each try, go through every reply.
Does a mate in 2 always start with a check?
No. Many start with a check or a sacrifice, because those leave the fewest replies. Some start with a quiet move that threatens a mate nothing can stop.
What is the difference between a mate in 1 and a mate in 2?
In a mate in 1 you only need to see one move. In a mate in 2 you have to picture the board after your move and after the reply, and make sure that every reply still runs into mate.