Can you checkmate with a bishop and knight

After you have reached that position, you are ready to continue. As you see the pattern unfolding below, notice how the principles mentioned above are applied. Note also how the white pieces work together to force the black king to the other side of the board.

This pattern seems very complicated, but once you understand how to combine the strengths of your bishop, knight, and king, you can easily find the right moves. If you want a more in-depth analysis of this checkmate, review the diagram below.

In it, you can find many of the possible variations that your opponent can try to use to confuse you. Now that you have seen how to deliver this complicated checkmate, it is time for you to practice doing it yourself. Solve the puzzles below with the correct move to keep pushing your enemy king to its end. Puzzle 2: It looks like Black is escaping from your clutches. Is there any way you can keep them from running away? You now know how to coordinate your king, bishop, and knight with precision to deliver a checkmate!

Try our premium membership for free and head over to our Drills page to practice this and other mating patterns. Checkmate With Bishop And Knight. Notice how the a8-square is a light square, matching Black's light-squared bishop. Understanding Your Final Goal The first step is to understand what your final goal is: you want to force the enemy king into a corner that matches your bishop's color.

The knight and king work together to trap the enemy king, and the bishop seals the deal. The king is in the corner, but the a1-square does not match the color of the bishop. The bishop controls the light squares, while the knight controls the dark squares. Notice how the movement of the knight resembles the letter "V.

If the king tries to lead, your opponent can force you to admit your mistake and step back. Performing The Pattern Now that you understand your final goal and the fundamental concepts of this checkmating pattern, it is time to learn the moves you need to play. Your knight must be in front of your king. Your bishop must control and have free access to the diagonal in front of the opponent's king. White forces the king to the corner and checkmates it. Notice how all the pieces work in perfect harmony.

Related Chess Terms 3 Check Chess. Chess Terms Chess Boxing. Beth Harmon. Queen Sacrifice. In case of 4 … Kc6 white locks the king with 5. The black king is forced to retreat. In case of 5 … Kc7, 6. Bb5 takes the c6 square from the king. A possible line would be 6 … Kd8 7. Nb6 Kc7 8. Another block! The black king cannot escape. In case of 8 … Kd8 9. Kd6 Kc8 Na5 Kd8 Nb7 Rc8 Now White already has checkmate in five moves.

For example: 12 … Kb8 Nd6 Ka7 Kc7 Ka8 Bd3 Ka7 I hope you enjoyed this article and that it will help you improve your technique in this important endgame. Ebook How To Improve on Chess: The 10 mistakes that hinder you from evolving your game Insert your email and download the free ebook. Download now! Theoretical Endgames: The Bishop and Knight Checkmate Although it is an elementary endgame, the bishop and knight checkmate has its complexities and must be studied seriously.

How to Move The King From The Wrong Corner Of course the opponent will try to keep the king in the center and, when expelled, will go to one of the wrong corners, making checkmate more difficult. Blocking The King The most complex moment is the correct blocking of the opposing king. Position after 5. Bd3 The black king is forced to retreat. Position after