How to Avoid Fool's Mate in Chess

A fool's mate in chess is similar to a king's opening. The bishop makes a move corresponding with the king. The queen is put out into the game too early. The queen comes down to place the king in check. At this point, the king can't be taken unless he can be moved. The king can move only one space and is officially in a fool's mate in chess.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Start with the king's opening. If a corresponding pawn is moved onto the board and a bishop comes for the pawn, attacking the pawn will (for the time being) be the focus of the moves on the chessboard.

2. Move the queen out as the bishop tries to take the pawn. This is the red flag alerting you that you are entering a fool's mate in chess. You now need a strategy to avoid the fool's mate from occurring.

3. Watch as the bishop continues to try to capture the pawn. Move your knight to protect the pawn.

4. Consider bringing the queen out as an alternate move to protect the pawn. If your opponent tries to take the pawn, she risks being put in check.

5. Realize that you may need to move a piece with the intention of capturing a piece. To keep your king out of harm's way and avoid a fool's mate, you may need to give up a chess piece to keep him out of position.

Tips & Warnings

• If the king tries to take the queen, he will be taken by the bishop that is protecting the queen.