The Quiet First Move
Part of the Tactics section of Coddy's Chess journey. Lesson 39 of 48.
Not every mate in two starts with a check. The hardest ones to see start with a move so quiet it looks like nothing - it simply makes the mate unstoppable. A quiet move demands more proof than a check: list every enemy answer, and make sure the mate survives each one. A threat can be stronger than a check.
Try it yourselfBeginner
Position 1 of 6
WatchNo check on the board is worth playing. Watch what is.
The starting position.
0 / 3
All 6 positions
All lessons in Tactics
1Free Pieces
Hanging PiecesCounting AttackersGood Trades, Bad TradesIs It Safe?Puzzles: Take What Is FreeRecap: Free Pieces4Skewers and Discoveries
The SkewerThe Discovered AttackDiscovered CheckDouble CheckPuzzles: Hidden WeaponsRecap: Skewers & Discoveries7Mate in Two
Check, Reply, MateThe Quiet First MoveAll the Escape SquaresPuzzles: Mate in Two 1Puzzles: Mate in Two 2Recap: Mate in Two