Chess Basics: King and Queen Checkmate

In this lesson, we'll learn how to checkmate an opponent using just a king and a queen. This simple checkmating pattern arises from many endgames where a player is left with an extra pawn. After the pawn is promoted, this technique offers an easy path to checkmate and victory!

What the King and Queen Checkmate Looks Like

In this checkmate, players use their queen to force their opponent's king onto the edge of the board, then bring in their own king to support the queen as she delivers mate.

How To Checkmate With a King and Queen

The first step of this checkmating pattern is to move the queen a knight's jump away from the enemy king. Each time the king moves to break this shape, the queen copies him and recreates it, chasing him into a corner in the process. 

Once the king is restricted to just two squares, the attacking player stops moving their queen and brings their king towards the other pieces to protect the queen from capture when she moves in for checkmate.

Students trying to master this pattern should memorize these three key concepts:

• Create an "L" shape

• Copycat into the corner

• Bring in your king

The Trap To Avoid

A common problem students encounter while attempting this checkmate is triggering an accidental stalemate in chess by chasing the opposing king too far into the corner with their queen and leaving him nowhere to go:

Students should be careful to consider the consequences of their moves and avoid turning a forced win into an unnecessary draw.