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Building a Mating Net

A mating net restricts the enemy king's escape squares one by one. When every escape is covered, the final check is mate.

A queen completes a mating net

The queen moves from a1 to h8 and gives check. The rook on h1 defends the queen. The pawn on g6 attacks f7, and the queen attacks f8 and g7. The king has no escape.

FEN: 6k1/8/6P1/8/8/8/8/Q5KR w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . . . k . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . P . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 Q . . . . . K R 1
  a b c d e f g h

A rook completes a mating net

The rook moves from h1 to h8 and gives check. The bishop on f6 defends the rook. The pawn on g6 attacks f7, and the rook attacks f8. The king has no escape.

FEN: 6k1/8/5BP1/8/8/8/8/6KR w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . . . k . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . B P . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . . . K R 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A mating net covers every square around the king.
  • Pieces restrict the king before the final check.
  • A net can use pawns, rooks, queens, and bishops.
  • The net must cover the king's capture squares too.
  • The final check must come from a defended piece.
  • Build the net slowly, one restriction at a time.
  • A net fails if one escape square is left uncovered.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which move completes the mating net?