Essential mates · foundation
Ladder mate
Use alternating rook checks to force the king to the edge.
The rule
Keep the rooks one rank apart. Move the rear rook past the front rook with check.
How to play it
- 1
Set the rooks
Put the rooks on neighboring ranks or files with enough distance from the enemy king.
- 2
Check with the rear rook
Move the rear rook one line past its partner to give check.
- 3
Alternate to the edge
Repeat with the other rook until the king reaches the edge.
Study the line, then play it
Step through the example. Then play your moves from the same position.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Move 0 of 11
Starting position
Play through the line one move at a time.
Before you play
Moves to queue
- 1.Rear rook past its partner
- 2.Other rook past its partner
- 3.Repeat toward the edge
Safe when
The king is too far away to attack either rook after the next check.
Stop when
The king steps toward a rook, or the next check would place a rook within capture range.
Common mistake
Continuing the ladder after the king approaches hangs the front rook.
Force the king back and deliver checkmate.
Start with a comfortable clock. Reduce it when the position feels familiar. Your record is 0/0.