Mate in two
The question asks for the first move — which is often not the obvious one.
These questions are usually worded "If White can checkmate Black in two moves, what is the first move?" You are being asked for the first move of a forced sequence, not the mating move itself.
The method
- Start with forcing moves. Checks first, then captures, then threats. A forcing move limits the opponent's replies, which is what makes the mate work no matter what they do.
- For each candidate, imagine every legal reply. If even one reply escapes mate, that candidate is wrong.
- Look for the quiet move. If no check works, look for a move that takes away the king's last escape square. The opponent is then in what is called zugzwang — every move they have loses.
What trips students up
Answering with the second move instead of the first. Read the question twice — "first move," "second move" and "final move" all appear on these tests.
Worked examples
If White can checkmate Black in two moves, what is the first move?
- a) ♔e4
- b) ♔e5
- c) ♔c6 ← correct
- d) ♔d6
♔c6 is the only first move that forces checkmate next move no matter how Black replies. For example, after ♘h7, ♕b7 is mate. A forcing first move (usually a check) that leaves the king only bad choices is the pattern.
If White can checkmate Black in two moves, what is the first move?
- a) ♕a6
- b) ♕c4
- c) ♕c2 ← correct
- d) ♕g4
♕c2 is the only first move that forces checkmate next move no matter how Black replies. For example, after ♔e3, ♕d2 is mate. A forcing first move (usually a check) that leaves the king only bad choices is the pattern.
If White can checkmate Black in two moves, what is the first move?
- a) ♔h4
- b) ♔h5
- c) ♔h6 ← correct
- d) ♔f5
♔h6 is the only first move that forces checkmate next move no matter how Black replies. For example, after ♔h8, ♕g7 is mate. A forcing first move (usually a check) that leaves the king only bad choices is the pattern.
Common questions
How do you solve a mate in two puzzle?
Start with forcing moves — checks first, then captures. For each candidate first move, check every single legal reply. If all replies allow mate next move, that is the answer.
What is a quiet move in a mate in two?
A first move that does not give check but removes the king's last escape square, leaving the opponent with no move that avoids mate.
Practice this for free
Work through it with instant feedback, then take a timed mock meet in the real 30-minute format.
Open the practice app