Mate in 1, 2, 3 and beyond: checkmate puzzles
Nothing trains calculation like a mate-in-N puzzle. The goal is clear, the moves are forcing, and every reply of your opponent has to be answered. Start short and work your way up.
In a mate-in-N puzzle you have exactly N moves to checkmate, against any defence. Mate in 1 trains your eyes to scan every check. Mate in 2 adds the quiet first move. From mate in 3 upwards you start building a small tree of variations in your head.
Each page explains a calculation method that suits its length, with example puzzles to try. In MateMind, the goal is shown above the board, so you always know how many moves you have.
Mate in N moves
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Mate in 1
One move, one checkmate. Train the habit of checking every check and seeing the mates others overlook.
28,369 puzzles in the app -
Mate in 2
Two moves to mate: learn quiet key moves and how to check every possible defence before you commit.
27,475 puzzles in the app -
Mate in 3
Three moves deep: build a clean calculation tree and follow forcing lines all the way to mate.
8,723 puzzles in the app -
Mate in 4
Four moves to mate: picture the final position first, then find the forcing moves that lead there.
2,147 puzzles in the app -
Mate in 5+
Five moves or more: chase the king across the board with long, forcing sequences that never let go.
1,203 puzzles in the app
How to get better at checkmate puzzles
- Look at every check, even the ones that seem silly. Sacrifices hide there.
- For each candidate move, list all of your opponent's replies before you commit.
- Picture the final mating position, then search for the moves that force it.
- Move up a length once you solve most puzzles at the current one.
Example puzzles
Try them yourself first. When you're ready, open the solution and step through it move by move.
Puzzle 1
Show solution
Solution
- 33.
- 34.
Puzzle 2
Show solution
Solution
- 45.
- 46.
Puzzle 3
Show solution
Solution
- 20.
- 21.
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