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The Fool's Mate

Moving the f- and g-pawns early opens the diagonal from h4 to the white king. It is the fastest possible checkmate.

Opening: Barnes Opening (1.f3). Set by Black. Level: Beginner.

Practise setting and escaping it

The moves

1.f3 e5 2.g4 Qh4#

The mistake: White plays g4 (1.f3 e5 2.g4)

It only works after a mistake

White must play g4 for it to work. Only works if White makes two weakening pawn moves. Any normal opening move avoids it.

Final position after 1.f3 e5 2.g4 Qh4#

How to avoid it

Develop normally, for example e4, d4 or Nc3, and keep the f- and g-pawns at home early on.

Practise setting and escaping it