Scholar’s Mate (Qf3)

Mate on f7

The attacking idea

Aim the queen and bishop at f7. The bishop protects the queen's mating capture.

The temptation

A natural-looking move overlooks the two attackers aimed at f7.

If they defend

Stop the threat on f7 first, then develop while gaining time against the queen.

Accurate defence can leave the attacker behind in material or development.

They take the bait

1. e4 1… e5 2. Bc4 2… Bc5 3. Qf3 3… d6 4. Qxf7#

They defend

1. e4 1… e5 2. Bc4 2… Bc5 3. Qf3 3… Nf6 4. Ne2 4… Nc6 5. d3

About your chess coach

Tempo uses Stockfish 19 Lite to suggest strong moves and explain captures, threats, and plans in plain language.

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