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Fool's Mate - - The Fastest Checkmate in Chess

By Edward Scimia, About.com

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.

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