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Double Knight Mate

Double knight mate uses two knights together, and one knight gives check while the other knight takes the king's escape square. One knight gives check, and the other knight and the king take the king's escape squares.

The finished shape

This is the finished shape. Double knight mate uses two knights together, and one knight gives check while the other knight takes the king's escape square.

FEN: k7/2K4p/1N6/1N6/8/8/8/8 b - - 1 1

a b c d e f g h
8 k . . . . . . . 8
7 . . K . . . . p 7
6 . N . . . . . . 6
5 . N . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

The worked example

White plays the mating move here. One knight gives check, and the other knight and the king take the king's escape squares.

FEN: k7/2K4p/8/1N6/2N5/8/8/8 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 k . . . . . . . 8
7 . . K . . . . p 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . N . . . . . . 5
4 . . N . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

How to prevent it

Black plays h6 first. The pawn move opens an escape square, so the mate no longer works.

FEN: k7/2K4p/8/1N6/2N5/8/8/8 b - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 k . . . . . . . 8
7 . . K . . . . p 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . N . . . . . . 5
4 . . N . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • One knight gives check, and the other knight and the king take the king's escape squares.
  • The worked example ends with Nb6.
  • To prevent it, keep the king moving and do not step into a corner with both knights nearby.
  • Black plays h6 first. The pawn move opens an escape square, so the mate no longer works.
  • Check every escape square before you play the mating move, because one open square breaks the mate.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

Find the checkmate in this position.