How to do the Fool's Mate

The Fool's Mate is the shortest possible checkmate, with black checkmating white in only two moves!

Most chess players avoid the Fool's Mate without any problems, but every now and then a beginner falls for it.

If you like a good laugh over a chess game, then game ended by the Fool's Mate (especially in a tournament) is a great topic to jest over.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A chess board and set
• A foolish opponent

1. Play the game as black. Your opponent makes the first move.

2. Your opponent must play 1. f3 (or 1. f4) or 1. g4 for his first move.

3. You play 1. ... e5 (or 1. ... e6 after 1. f4).

4. If your opponent started with 1. f3 or 1. f4, he must now play 2. g4.
   If he began with 1. g4, he must now play 2. f3 or 2. f4.

5. Finish of the fool with 2. ... Qh4#! You win the game - just try not to laugh too hard and embarrass your opponent any more than he already is!

Tips & Warnings

• You should not try to checkmate your opponent in the Fool's Mate. Most chess players will not play the moves required for you to execute it. If a situation arises in which you can play the Fool's Mate, feel free to use it, though.