CHESSDORRAHow to find checkmate
Check the king’s escape squares and every available defense.
When check becomes checkmate
Checkmate occurs when the king is in check and its side has no legal move. With no legal move and no check, the result is stalemate.
Three ways to defend
First check whether the king can move to a safe square. Then look for a legal capture of the checking piece or a block. A knight check cannot be blocked. In double check, only a king move can get out of check.
Mate against every reply
For mate in two, choose a first move, list the opponent’s replies, and find a mate after each. The first move can be quiet. A quiet move leaving the opponent with no legal reply produces stalemate.