Four Move Checkmate

The four-move checkmate is probably the oldest, most famous trick in chess. Since it is easy to learn and quick to play, delivering the four-move checkmate can guarantee a fast ending to the chess game. The less experienced opponent might still be surprised from the fast attack, yet any player who had gained a little bit more experience would see it coming from the second move. But how can you tell if your opponent is planning on a four-move checkmate?

First, learn how to deliver the four move checkmate: 1. Move the Pawn from in front of the King 1 or 2 squares forward.
2. Move the King's Bishop 3 squares along a diagonal line to the direction of the Pawn from the first move. Your King's Bishop will be stationed in a diagonal line toward the Pawn in front of your opponent's King's Bishop.
3. Move the Queen 2 squares along a diagonal line, so it resides before your opponent's King's Bishop.
4. Move up the Queen in a vertical direction so it'll take the Pawn before your opponent's King's Bishop. From the position, your opponent's King sole escape route is by taking your Queen. However, since your Queen is protected by the King's Bishop, it is a checkmate.

Four-Move Checkmate Detection Tips

If your opponent moves his Queen and Bishop in the early game, there are good chances that he is planning a four-move checkmate. And if the opponent's queen is attacking the King's Bishop's Pawn, you should really start worrying. Note that due to the notoriety of the four move checkmate, some players might disguise their plans by planting distracting moves in between.

How to Stop the Four-Move Checkmate?

Once you detect a four-move checkmate coming your way, you can simply move the King's Bishop's Pawn or move the King's Knight before the King's Bishop's Pawn. Either way, your opponent would be unable to move to the planned square. Another way to block your opponent from playing the four move checkmate is by moving the King's Pawn one square forward to weaken the opponent's Queen's defense.