How to Win at Chess Using the Fool's Mate

The Fool's Mate is one of the simplest strategies used to win in chess. It is primarily used by the black side and will end the game in only two moves. It requires precise movement by both sides, however, including two careless moves by white. It is best used when playing against someone new to the game of chess.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Let your opponent be white, thus having the first move. If your opponent is a beginner, this may give him a false sense of security and make it easier to lure him into the trap.

2. Wait for your opponent to make the first move. If she moves her king knight pawn two spaces up or the king's bishop pawn a space, you're in good shape.

3. Move your king's pawn ahead. Most players move it two spaces, but one will work just as well.

4. Wait for your opponent's second move. If he makes the other of the two moves mentioned earlier (king's bishop pawn up a space or king's knight pawn two spaces), you have him.

5. Move your queen four spaces diagonally (to king's rook four on the board). White is in checkmate because your queen is directly attacking the queen, the king cannot move out of the line of attack and no other pieces can move to block the queen.

Tips & Warnings

• The Fool's Mate can only work if white makes the exact two moves shown, leaving her king open to the attack. This is why an expert chess player won't lose to this strategy.
• You cannot operate the Fool's Mate from the other side of the board. The queen and queen's bishop can block the attack from that side if the corresponding pawns are moved.