Open Game · 1900
Arabian Mate
Teaching line — Rook and knight team up: Rxh7 is mate because the knight on f6 guards the rook.
LevelBeginnerElo700–900ThemeRook + knight teamworkMoves11
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Moves · tap to jump
0/210/21
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Starting position
Ready
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Main lesson
Rook and knight mate together; neither can do it alone.
What your student should learn
- The knight must arrive before the rook.
- Protected attackers cannot be captured.
- Corners are dangerous for kings.
- Two pieces are enough for mate with the right squares.
Mini tournament checklist
- ✓ Is my rook protected where it lands?
- ✓ Does my knight cover the escape square?
- ✓ Is their king in the corner?
- ✓ Do their own pawns block their king?
Run through this list before you start an attack in a real game. Mostly yes means look for tactics; otherwise improve one more piece first.
Full move list
Opening the Centre
1.
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6.
A Pawn Grab On h2
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Arabian Mate
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Note: The knight must come first: without Nf6 the rook is simply taken.