FoxyChess › Checkmates › Swallow's Tail Mate
Swallow's Tail Mate
A protected queen mates the king face to face, from the square directly in front. The king's own pieces block the two squares diagonally behind it, like the forked tail of a swallow. Also called the Guéridon mate.
How to spot it
If the enemy king has its own pieces on both back corners next to it, a protected queen check straight in front can end the game.
How it arises
The king has stepped forward, usually to the second rank, with its own rooks or other pieces on the squares diagonally behind it. A protected queen then checks it face to face.
A worked example
1.Qe6#. The pawn on d5 protects the queen; the rooks on d8 and f8 take away their own king's squares.
How to defend against it
When your king leaves the back rank, make sure the squares behind it stay free. Pieces standing next to the king on the rank behind are what make this pattern possible.
Solve them at your own level, from beginner to expert, then spot them in your own games against Foxy, 32 bots and real players. Free to join, no card needed.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. You must be 13 or over.