Critical Endgame Checkmates For Beginners

[@jeffreyeschbach8812]

Even with beginner content, it's still fun to watch Nelson teach!

[@AdamtheRed-]

He's very good at breaking things down.

[@QDWhite]

100% showing this to my daughter who’s just starting to learn. Even us seasoned players can make great use of this beginner content. Thanks!

[@anshumanpandey8547]

Theres a book by IM Jeremy Silman called How to Reassess your Chess. 100% recommend if your child likes to read. He teaches all these end games and more but also tells you the thought process behind it and its not a "boring chess theory" explanation either.

[@helljackalll]

Check out 5334 checkmate patterns as well it's a collection of mates in 1, 2 and 3

[@QDWhite]

@anshumanpandey8547 thanks!

[@pakasokoste]

The best tip for queen vs king endgame that always works without having to think at all so it's super useful when in time trouble is to first get the king to the edge, then put the queen on one of the two central squares of the file or rank adjacent to the edge, it will never be stalemate. Leave the queen there and walk your king over. When kings are close, use queen to checkmate.

[@userac-xpg]

A useful tip for avoiding queen stalemates, dont move your queen to the 3rd rank, use the 4th rank to cut off enemy king, then get your king into position, and then deliver checkmate. By staying on the 4th rank the enemy king will always have a square to move to. Avoid moving your queen to a square that is a knight hop from the opposing king.

[@ghb323]

2:07 its also called a ladder mate

[@mitch9237]

Loving the Dark Nelson arc

[@tominmo8865]

This is THE first book everyone under 2000 needs for endgame study! There is a lot of material here, and it is organized by ascending level of difficulty. Commit to spending several months with this book, repeatedly going over chapters until the understanding becomes second nature. You will be a noticeably better player and will often be able to see what to do almost effortlessly. Even at the upper amateur levels, very few people are willing to make the effort, so you can dominate the endgame. Also, understanding endgame play will give you the ability to choose what kind of endgame you want to head towards in your games. An excellent second book, to reinforce this one, is 100 Endgames You Must Know.

[@Fireball_Roberts]

One of the best videos on this channel is the 23 Checkmate Patterns. I watched that back when I was a beginner and it was probably the most important instructional video I've ever watched.

[@roblodocus2539]

Chess book authors all over the world crossing their fingers they’ll be selected for the prestigious Chess Vibes book club! My copy turned up this morning, looking forward to busting it open tonight!

[@bgff3541]

How you comment 2 days ago . The video just dropped now😂😂

[@g-op5ls]

@@bgff3541 I think it's because he is a member so he gets early access to the video

[@spondoolie6450]

@@bgff3541 you can upload a video and set it to private, and then later on set it to public

[@roblodocus2539]

@@bgff3541 it’s released early for members

[@b.trumane]

Nah but for real tho lol facts

[@r33th]

For queen + king mates, I use knight opposition (put the queen on a square that is a knight L shape from the enemy king), and from there copy every king move while maintaining knight opposition until the king only has 1 legal move in the corner forcing the opponent to move back and forth on 2 squares in the corner. Then bring your king and deliver mate. To me that is by far the simplest Q+K mating pattern, as it is the same every time. I use the box method for R+K though

[@0_0faizan]

Excited for the series🎉

[@Duckshotz]

Obligatory sacrifice to the algorithm gods.

[@TheEmptyHoliness]

i had a dream last night that we were hanging out and playing an ancient version of chess. It had a little cave for you to place a bishop under to protect them while they were in there and some other oddities. You kicked my ass at it every time 😂

[@InfiniteQuest86]

I never really thought about the box method for rook and king. I was taught to get opposition and then give a check. It always pushes them back and then the mate is the same thing you were doing all along. Box method is definitely faster since they can be annoying and run away from opposition for a long time.

[@robertschatz7781]

Opposition, instead of boxing, is what I was taught, too, as a kid.

[@LordSluggo]

The book goes into opposition in later chapters

[@anshumanpandey8547]

The opposition method is way more principled and easy to follow. If you are in a time scramble you'd want to play moves without thinking and thats where the oppsition theory is far superior.

[@wallysullivan9315]

​​@@anshumanpandey8547eh, Ive practiced the box method enough that its easier for me in a time scramble. You dont really have to "think" for the box method the goal is to force the king to one of the corner ranks or files either way.

[@r33th]

The true fastest rook and king mate is a hybrid between the box method and opposition. But if you are choosing one, I recommend box method all the way to the corner and delivering mate in the corner. Ive consistently delivered mate that way in 7-14 moves its definitely faster than rank by rank opposition

[@sanjeebbarman9628]

Reached 1000 from 400 watching u , i was completely new in chess 5 months back

[@QDWhite]

Same. It took me a year to get to 1000, but I credit Nelson for all his content.

[@AlexMPruteanu]

Me too. I literally JUST LEARNED 2 months ago that I HAVE TO DEFEND MY PIECES, and went from 400 to 1000 thanks to Nelson doing his ratings climb and his other tutorials, coupled with chess puzzles daily.

[@davidmasse2829]

I don’t use the box method myself but I have seen it used effectively and quickly.

[@neurathal0n534]

Love the intro stinger! Super classy

[@ArjanD78]

I'm already happy with the choice of the book. This is going to be a learning curve. I do know these endgames, bit I'm looking forward to the rest of the book. Keep it up, Nelson!

[@andrewbennett5911]

I was also taught the opposition & rook check method . Interesting that the 1600 rated bot Isobel didn't know how to win when ' she ' had a K&R against my K !!! Thanks for the video Nelson .

[@harrygross77]

Best king-rook explanation that I have seen, I would have learned it quicker, if I saw your video first.

[@SH-dl4jk]

yay! I suggested silmans when you asked which endgame material to cover. Looking forward to the whole series

[@TimTim3000]

Really stoked you're doing endgames. Arguably the most important thing to study for players of all levels.

[@alexandraison6429]

Thank you Nelson! I need this so bad I am just really horrible with checkmates… I usually end up doing it on accident unless it’s super straightforward

[@MichaelPeters-o4z]

Great lessons, Nelson, as usual!

[@paulcifer9016]

Thanks for all the great content. I'm a more confident player because of your videos. I've really gotten into chess and a friends into chess partially due to your channel and teaching style. I Can't wait to Break 1500!!

[@iainmcclure416]

Really useful for my beginners. Big thanks!

[@bobbyjoe8443]

You are an incredible teacher, I love all of your games. 10/10

[@grizzly_franky]

Nice presentation. The theme and even the background of the video kinda matches the cover of the book we're analyzing. This series will surely be interesting❤

[@adamgibbs6806]

Even i can do the ladder checkmate, but i watched it anyway cos you're a great coach, looking forward to the rest of the series Nelson!

[@shaunhunterit342]

You're a very good teacher.

[@KrastyoKrastev]

Very good content!!!

[@ThomasP-r7j]

This is helpful. Thanks a lot

[@tessg4799]

Thank you Nelson!

[@張謙-n3l]

If we have a queen + rook vs lone king, putting the rook closer to the king, the queen one square diagonal outside will be an excellent set-up to avoid stalemate when doing the ladder mate

[@mrnelgin]

While I knew those most of those concepts there was 1 I did learn from. Tho I'm not 1000 yet anyway. It's still good to recap what you do know to reinforce it. Thanks for sharing.

[@0_0faizan]

I think you should add the book name to the title too .

[@WaldoWizard]

waiting for the book . mine is in the mail .. go slow Nelson 😆.. gotta play catch-up

[@jimsensathit7056]

In my experience, the best way to avoid a stalemate is to understand and conceptualize a mating net, rather than simply memorizing patterns. This approach enhances our comprehension and helps us checkmate more effectively.

[@theliamofella]

Good lesson for beginners and slow people like me, thanks for uploading

[@mareezy]

New series? New background color? I love it!

[@williamm.1608]

Since you sometimes ask for content suggestions, you might consider breaking down historic / famous games (like the immortal game). I know others have done this, but some of these other chess guys (who have their fans, so fair enough) I find to be a bit hard to watch. Your commentary is easier to follow and clearer and your voice is a lot easier to listen to.

[@haselhboss]

Really nice from Nelson..... lots of love man 👌🌹

[@n0bl3hunt3r]

Ooh, the box explanation is good. I could definitely see myself getting confused about how to finish off with just a rook.

[@jefftaylor1186]

Ah yess. The silman endgame book. the only book you really need.

[@Muladeseis]

Please don't add that red border at the thumbnail, it makes more difficult to know the already seen videos. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@ntaralson]

I'm actually about halfway through this book. Looking forward to future vids 👍

[@Kenjitsuka]

Haha, I just watched your Rook King mate video from three years ago last week! I was missing the waiting move, so I'd get to M2 loads of times. Now I've properly drilled it :)

[@MWTGoldenGun]

Im looking forward to the next one

[@zaemoon]

I was about to suggest this book before watching the intro. Please complete the full book, tnx in advance G

[@Surge6472]

thanks nelson

[@blueckaym]

That's a good video as usual. But it's very very basic. I think it would be better to show some positions that are before these clear text-book endgames. For example King+Rook vs King+Bishop, or some other combo that should be losing for the opponent, but to see the best approaches to force the checkmate, and avoid draw or blunders.

[@semaht03]

very helpful, thx u so much. I am 900+elo and I still didn't know the clear path of queen+king or rook + king checkmate, now I knew it !

[@vishnuprasadkr5541]

Make a video on advanced endgames

[@PearFinch]

Hey Nelson have you ever considered trying out Shogi? It’s kind of hilarious to compare to normal chess and is very historically interesting

[@natelouderback7329]

I've embarrassingly stalemated the single rook one a few times under time pressure *lol* I feel the pain.

[@tadeuszsarna1547]

They should create Nelson bot. Everyone would love to play him as opposed to the bully Who always brings out his Queen early

[@eyobtesfaye7087]

I just stalemate today with Queen and I saw this video. In my defense I had 3sec to finish the game but this is a nice learning opportunity for me for next time

[@BeorTheOld]

My favorite endgame tactic is the 7 queen ladder stalemate

[@ninja4O5]

Thenks 😋

[@NJDJ2]

when i saw the "staircase" check/mate, i thought it was about a queen checking the king like _stairs_ move but it's really just a ladder checkmate move!

[@TimTim3000]

I always called it a lawnmower mate

[@shaunakroy4]

Please go level by level like Silman's book, that would be helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@lwalker8785]

I feel like just this one video would take you from beginner to intermediate.

[@RD-uk6wt]

I didnt watch it, but i learned chess with those basics 30 years ago.

[@georgimihalev40]

as a 2100 is was very instructive

[@wizardfix]

Very useful basic instruction indeed, thanks so much Nelson. I've lost too many games by screwing up the mate - which is really so frustrating! Now I know how not to do that! :)

[@semaht03]

can you do more for bishop and knight as well ?

[@R04drunner1]

Oh goody, you are going for the End Game book. Happy days.

[@adityachk2002]

could you please revise the which pawn to move in front of king to avoid back rank mate from rook in any video

[@lunruj]

Depending on the situation. You shouldn't move it until endgame unless you have a good reason to (forced to, fianchetto bishop, having a good attack on the opponent's king, trapping a figure etc.)

[@D0MIIN8T0R]

min 14:40 Rh1 that's a 9000 elo move right there.

[@emmadiez5986]

😂😂😂😂must be a misclick

[@vassg5]

I feel like you teach this chess stuff so good other chess players hate you for giving away all the secrets 😂

[@PieceOfPaper98]

Seems somewhat irregular for Q+K and R+K, or is that just me? I've always thought these three beginner checkmates show an interesting progress/increase in difficulty (and that if you can win R+K, you have a good grasp of the basics of the game): Q+R: just do a ladder mate like you illustrated, don't hang either piece. Q+K: the king needs to help, but you can start by using the queen only if you put her a knight's distance away AND THEN mirror the enemy king moves, maintaining knight's distance until he is stuck on two squares next to the corner, at which point you are free to place your own king in opposition and then mate on the back rank or directly in front. R+K: you need to use your king AND exploit tempo. Rather than building a box, I would recommend* going "row-by-row" similar to the actual mate: with the rook, cut the king off on a row or file and place your own king a knight's distance away, with your own rook on the same side as your king. This forces the enemy king to walk away or step into opposition, when the later happens because he gets tired or because he reaches the end of the board, deliver the check with the rook to push the king one step down (or if he for some reason walks backwards of his own accord, move the rook one line up without checking), rinse and repeat. (Doesn't look clear in writing, but I think it really embodies the "not necessarily fastest, but easiest" spirit.) *I had learned a box-type R+K mate playing at home, but when I started playing in a chess club I saw this and kind of subconsciously adopted it :)

[@userac-xpg]

You want to avoid putting the queen a knights distance away as that creates stalemate if the enemy king is on the edge of the board. I often treat my queen like a rook in the endgame and avoid all stalemate possibilities

[@extra...]

Next video: critical fortress setups

[@DJF1947]

The expression is, "pay attention to", and not, "pay attention for". But, apart from that, you are doing well with the English.

[@tanning5954]

how about The Soviet Chess Primer for beginner

[@lunruj]

I'd say this is for rating 500 and under. Although I've seen people rated 700 and more not knowing how to checkmate with a rook. But it becomes rare at that level. Stalemates like the last one? Not uncommon in 1000 and under, even when the attacking side has several minutes to finish the game.

[@glichasasha750]

Does it talk about two elephants mate?

[@harrygross77]

I just got a new phone, that I don't understand-the " dings" on your end are making me old before my time,

[@RobinDeCraecker]

“Chess is more than just a game; it is a mirror reflecting life itself. On the board, 64 squares hold infinite possibilities, where strategy meets creativity, and every move shapes the future. In chess, every piece has its role-each with strengths, weaknesses, and potential. The pawns remind us that even the smallest steps can lead to greatness, while the queen teaches us the power of versatility. But chess is not just about winning; it’s about learning. It teaches patience in the face of challenges, resilience after defeat, and the importance of thinking before acting. Like life, chess rewards preparation, but it also demands adaptability. Plans may crumble, yet those who stay focused and calm can often turn a losing position into victory. So, whether you’re a grandmaster or a beginner, remember: chess is a celebration of the mind-a reminder that strategy, patience, and creativity can overcome any challenge, on or off the board.”

[@keithroragen2218]

The thing that sometimes complicates the staircase checkmate for me is if there are other pieces on the board for the king to hide behind. Do I take the time to clear those pieces from the board or is there an easier way to checkmate around them?

[@jonathanevans5115]

You always have 4 choices for which edge to force the King to, so one option is to force it away from the other pieces. But mostly it comes back to what Nelson was saying about the Queen box mate - you might have a theoretical faster mate without mopping up the other pieces, but simplifying to a pattern you're familiar with will be easier, and you aren't risking your opponent finding some trap with those extra pieces.

[@userac-xpg]

If they only have 1 piece just sacrifice one of yours for it. Easy to mate with only a rook or queen

[@rubinkhadka6280]

but the thing is my games dont reach end game , either i blunder and resign or opponent does it

[@villbuzeep2043]

stop resigning

[@pathways4996]

What other books does he recommend?

[@awang_ir]

Hello Nelson

[@spankymcduff9683]

don"t forget to thumbs up if you like.....

[@melk100]

The hardest part of videos like this is ego. I know 95% of these points, so catching the last 5% requires a little humility, if you Catch my drift. Cant say how many times I pre-moved into oblivion or pat because I did not consider ONE point in this video... Thanx, chess is infuriatingly fun, too bad I am bad at it :)

[@svignesh760]

Sir I am from India and I am a student so please reduce the price of your 1500 rating course because it is expensive for us please consider my comments

[@bryanrisso7508]

Im not a beginner but i am sad only being 200 points abover beginner! 😢 im trash!

[@Reflix2-e9f]

MAN Plz Some advance Contents. 🙏 I am still a big fan

[@Alex9501950]

Obligatory KZbin algorithm comment.

[@raghavagra12]

India 🇮🇳 like here

[@beclosetonature5]

2072? Like here

[@giridharpavan1592]

actually underwhelming instructions