How to do the Scholar's Mate

Since the Fool's Mate is impractical to try out against opponents, many beginners try to beat their opponents using the Scholar's Mate, which is more feasible. For more advanced players, the Scholar's Mate can be a great way to beat a beginner in a tournament, although it should be stressed that white's second move is bad.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   1. e4

   In most situations, you can only play the Scholar's Mate as white. For your first move, play 1. e4.

2. 
   1. e4 e5

   Your opponent plays 1. ... e5.

3. 
   The position after 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5

   You then play the bad, but tricky move 2. Qh5. You may also play 2. Bc4, but this rarely works because it is also bad and because black can play the natural 2. ... Nf6 with a good game.

4. Your opponent then should defend the pawn on e5 with 2. ... Nc6.
   
   If he plays 2. ... Nf6?, attacking the queen, then 3. Qxe5+ wins a pawn. Even worse for black is 2. ... g6?? 3. Qxe5+ when the rook on h8 will be captured next turn!

5. You then play 3. Bc4, threatening 4. Qxf7#.

6. Your opponent then plays 3. ... Nf6??, attacking the queen.
   
   Really, any move here aside from 3. ... g6! (the best move for black, leading to a winning position), a queen move, the move 3. ... d5, or 3. ... Ke7 allows checkmate on the next move.

7. 
   The final position.

   Play 4. Qxf7#, winning the game!