Model mate

This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

Michal Dragoun
Phénix 1993

	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h
8									8
7									7
6									6
5									5
4									4
3									3
2									2
1									1
	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

Helpmate in two moves (h#2), two solutions

A model mate is a checkmating position in chess in which the checkmated king and all vacant squares in its field are attacked only once, and squares in the king's field occupied by friendly units are not also attacked by the mating side (unless such a unit is necessarily pinned to the king to avoid it interposing to block the check or capturing of mating unit). Moreover, all units of the mating side, with the possible exception of the king and pawns, have to participate actively in forming the mating net.

On diagram see the helpmate in two moves by Michal Dragoun, Czech helpmate expert, published in 1993 in French magazine Phénix. It has two solutions ending in model mates (Black moves first in helpmates):

1.Re3 Ke6 2.Ke4 Rh4#,
1.Kc5 Kc7 2.Rc4 Nc6#

Model mates are extremely rare in practical play, but they add value to chess problems as they are considered artistic. In fact, they form the basis of so called Bohemian school of chess composition, most fruitful in threemovers and moremovers. Model mates are very usual in helpmates and they appear often in selfmates too.

If all units of both colours are involved in a model mate, then it is an ideal mate. Both mates in the above helpmate are ideal mates.

See also