1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Chess

Fool's Mate - - The Fastest Checkmate in Chess

By , About.com Guide

1 of 4

1. f3?

1. f3?

All diagrams © Ed Scimia

The fastest checkmate possible in chess is known as the Fool's Mate. Unlike some other fast checkmates, the Fool's Mate is rarely seen, even in games between beginners.

The Fool's Mate begins with a weak first move by White. Playing 1. f3? does little to influence the center of the board, doesn't help to develop any pieces, and weakens the king's defense on the e1-h4 diagonal.

Explore Chess

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Scrapbook Technique Gallery

Use these ideas to inspire your own uniquely beautiful pages. More >

  1. Home
  2. Hobbies & Games
  3. Chess
  4. Tips for Beginners
  5. Fool's Mate - The Fastest Checkmate in Chess

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.