Tactics · Learn
Mate in Four
Mate in four is a calculation workout: a forcing net woven from checks, sacrifices, and threats. Only forcing moves keep the tree of variations small enough to see to the end.
How to spot it: identify the mating pattern you're driving toward, then force the king there one check at a time. If a line fizzles, return to the branch point and try the next forcing move. Patience and clear visualization win these.
How to spot it: identify the mating pattern you're driving toward, then force the king there one check at a time. If a line fizzles, return to the branch point and try the next forcing move. Patience and clear visualization win these.
Now spot it yourself
A real position: find the move. This is exactly what the drills in the app do, banded from beginner to expert.
How this lesson is made: this public explanation comes from the authored Strong Squares curriculum. Automated checks protect its chess data, source fields and learning flow. Independent chess-editor approval remains part of the private-preview release process. Read the teaching method.