Chess is a game of strategy and skill enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The game, which dates back to the sixth century, continues to enthrall players across the globe. Despite its reputation as a challenging game that requires patience and strategic thinking, there are tactics that make chess much easier. In fact, in this article, we’ll show you how to win chess in 4 moves.
While this may seem like a daunting task, it is quite achievable with the right approach. Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned player, this strategy can help you secure the fastest checkmate you’ll ever get.
You can win chess in four moves with the Scholar’s Mate checkmate pattern. The Scholar’s Mate, also known as the Four-Move Checkmate, is a popular strategy that can help checkmate beginners. This pattern varies from “Fool’s Mate,” which allows you to win a chess game in two moves.
Follow these steps to pull off the Scholar’s Mate:
Move 1: The Right Pawn Start (E4)
Starting out as white, the first thing you must do is try to control the center. Open the center by moving your pawn from E2 to E4. This is a classical opening for a chess game. Regardless of what strategy you’re trying to pull off, gaining control over the central squares with your pawns or knights is great practice. Any player who successfully controls the center gains a significant advantage as the chess game progresses. Also, since moving a pawn two squares is a common opening move, your opponents won’t know that they’re walking into a trap.
Don’t try to win a chess game against a veteran chess player with the Scholar’s Mate, because you may give room for your opponent to counter and win.
Move 2: Release The Queen (F3 Or H5)
Move your white queen from D1 to H5, which places her diagonally from your opponent’s F7 pawn to threaten it. At this point, any player familiar with Scholar’s Mate might already know what to expect and how to defend it. You should not be concerned if your opponent has already moved the F pawn. You’ll still be able to put yourself in a position to deliver checkmate. You need two pieces for a controlled check and that’s where the next move comes into play.
Move 3: The Protecting Bishop (C4)
Move your king’s bishop three squares diagonally from F1 to C4 to threaten your opponent’s king’s bishop’s pawn at F7. The Scholar’s Mate is an attack between the white queen and bishop. The placement of the bishop in C4 gives the black king no chance to escape if your opponent didn’t anticipate the move from the start. When pulling off the Four-Move Checkmate, you can move your bishop before the queen to make your strategy more difficult to predict.
See here for the best chess set.
Move 4: Conquer F7
For the fourth move, all you have to do is capture the black king’s bishop’s pawn for a checkmate. Move your queen over two squares diagonally to F7. This leaves the other player’s black king completely exposed to your queen. Your opponent also won’t be able to capture your queen because your bishop protects her. There’s your quick victory! Point out the checkmate if the other player doesn’t see it.
Keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to use the Four-move Checkmate more than once against the same player.
How To Defend Against The Scholar’s Mate
To defend against the Scholar’s Mate, try to prevent the other player from controlling the center. Follow these steps to defend the Four-Move Checkmate as black:
- Play your first move however you want. It makes no difference what your opening move is.
- Move your king’s pawn one square or your queen’s pawn two squares to protect F7.
- Use your next move to prevent the other player from controlling the square. You can do this by moving your queen to F6 or king’s Knight to H6. If your E7 pawn is at E5, do not move your G pawn to G7 to block the Queen’s path. This allows the enemy queen to capture your E pawn and then capture your rook diagonally.
- On subsequent turns, focus on blocking the white queen’s attack.
See how to set up a chess board.
Cons of The Scholar’s Mate
The Scholar’s Mate is a quick and tempting opening for beginners, but it has some significant cons that make it a risky strategy when you’re up against experienced chess players. For starters, it is easy to defend against. The Scholar’s Mate is the most common finish to a chess game and most good players know how to defend it. Furthermore, opening moves like this that advance your queen and bishop too quickly may expose your king.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Checkmate In 4 Moves As Black?
You cannot checkmate in 4 moves as Black. White usually has the advantage of the first move, attacking first, while Black defends. You can, however, win chess games in two moves as the black player with the Fool’s Mate strategy. Fool’s Mate relies on the other player making mistakes very early in the game.
What Is A 4-Move Checkmate Called?
A 4-move checkmate is called “Scholar’s Mate.” This strategy is also known by other names, such as Shepherd’s Mate, Children’s Mate, Shoemaker’s Mate, School Mate, Barber’s Mate and Napoleon’s Plan. It’s important to note that the Scholar’s Mate and other quick checkmate patterns are not reliable strategies against experienced players.
What Is The Shortest Checkmate?
The shortest possible checkmate in chess is known as “Fool’s Mate,” also sometimes referred to as the “Two-Move Checkmate.” Fool’s Mate occurs when White makes an early mistake that you can exploit with only two moves to checkmate the white king. Like with Scholar’s Mate, it is difficult to win a chess game with Fool’s Mate when playing against good players.
What Is The Best First Move In Chess?
The best first move in chess is 1.e4. This move opens up a diagonal for the queen and the king’s bishop and allows control of the center of the board. Other popular first moves include 1.d4, which leads to the Queen’s Gambit opening and 1.c4, which leads to the English Opening.
What Happens If You Don’t Say Checkmate In Chess?
Nothing happens if you don’t say checkmate in chess. It is not necessary to say “checkmate” when you deliver a checkmate. As soon as the opponent’s king is under attack and there is no way to get out of check, the game is over. However, it remains customary to say “checkmate” when you win a chess game.
Conclusion
Now you know how to win chess in 4 moves with the Scholar’s Mate strategy. Although this tactic is easy to pull off, a winning outcome relies on the opponent making a significant mistake or falling for your trap. For the best results, only use the Four-Move checkmate when playing against beginners.
