OPENING TRAP
Fool's Mate: The fastest checkmate in chess: two moves
The Fool's Mate is a trap in the Barnes Opening. The fastest checkmate in chess: two moves. Checkmate on move 2. White weakened its own king with two pawn moves.
The moves
1. f3 e5 2. g4 Qh4#
The final position is checkmate.
- 1. f3 White pushes the f-pawn. It looks harmless, but it opens the diagonal from e1 to h4.
- 1... e5 You open a path for your queen. It now looks along the diagonal to the white king.
- 2. g4 White pushes a second pawn. Now nothing stands between your queen and the king.
- 2... Qh4# Qh4 is checkmate. The f-pawn and g-pawn both moved, so no piece can block and the king has no square.
How to avoid it
As White, never push both the f-pawn and the g-pawn early. They are the shield of your king.
Practise it
In Trap Academy you watch this lesson, then play the Black side yourself against the replies of the trap. This trap is free.
Add to Chrome — freeFrequently asked questions
What is the Fool's Mate?
- The fastest checkmate in chess: two moves. It arises in the Barnes Opening. Checkmate on move 2. White weakened its own king with two pawn moves.
How do you avoid the Fool's Mate?
- As White, never push both the f-pawn and the g-pawn early. They are the shield of your king.