Some Basic Checkmates in the Endgame (cont'd)

On this page, you will find the King & Rook vs King and King & 2 Bishops vs King checkmates.

King & Rook vs King

This endgame is the next simplest of the basic mates in the endgame, though less so than the preceding one. The lone King must be driven to the side of the board, and then with your King positioned in front of him, with one square between, mate is given by a check from the Rook on the same line upon which the lone King stands. The diagram below will show you the position in which a lone Black King is checkmated with a White King and Rook.

You can download the PGN (Portable Game Notation) file demonstrating moves to the above checkmate here. For a PGN viewer, go to the Downloads page.

King & 2 Bishops vs King

The 2 Bishops also win, without much difficulty, against the King alone; but in this case the King must be forced, not only to a side of the board (as in the previous two mates), but into one of the corners, or a square adjoining a corner one. The diagram below will demonstrate the position in which a lone Black King is mated with a White King and 2 Bishops.

You can download the PGN (Portable Game Notation) file demonstrating moves to the above checkmate here. For a PGN viewer, go to the Downloads page.