20250828 0308 wh#1 Amazing

1. Bc6# 

PGN

[Site "Chess.com"]

[Result "1-0"]

[SetUp "1"]

[FEN "r1bqkb1r/1pp2pp1/2n4p/p5n1/2P1B3/6P1/PP1BQP1P/RN2K1NR b KQkq - 0 1"]

1... Nd4 2. Bc6# 1-0

The Setup

We reach the diagram after Black’s knight jumps to d4 with check:

1… Nd4+

At first sight, it looks like White is in trouble:

The knight on d4 gives check to the king.

It also attacks White’s queen on e2.

But instead of defending passively, White finds a stunning counter-checkmate.

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The Brilliant Move

White plays:

2. Bc6#

The bishop from e4 moves to c6, delivering checkmate.

Black’s king is trapped:

The bishop on c6 controls the escape squares on b7 and a8.

The pawn on c4 supports the bishop.

The queen on e2 covers e7.

The knight on g6 and pawns around the king block all other flight squares.

So even though Black’s knight attacked the White king and queen, White ignores both threats and wins immediately.

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Why It’s Amazing

Counterattack to check: White mates while in check, which is rare and elegant.

Sacrificed queen: White doesn’t care that the knight attacks the queen—mate comes first.

Bishop hero: The “quiet” bishop move seals the king’s fate in a single stroke.