London · 1853
Boden’s Mate
Schulder vs. Samuel Boden — A queen is given away just to open a diagonal — and two bishops do the mating.
LevelIntermediateElo900–1100ThemeBishop coordinationMoves15
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Moves · tap to jump
0/300/30
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Starting position
Ready
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Main lesson
Two bishops pointing at the same king are a mating net; clearing their diagonals is worth material.
What your student should learn
- Two bishops on crossing diagonals mate a castled king.
- Clearing a diagonal can be worth a rook.
- Castling long has its own weak squares.
- Look for the sacrifice that opens the line.
Mini tournament checklist
- ✓ Are both my bishops pointing at their king?
- ✓ Which piece is blocking the diagonal?
- ✓ Can I remove it with a check?
- ✓ Has my opponent castled into the pattern?
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
A Messy Opening
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Both Kings Go Queenside
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Boden’s Mate
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Note: Ask the student to name every square the black bishops cover — that is the whole pattern.