Before you play checkmate, find the defender’s best reply

Before you play the check you think is mate, give the defender one last turn in your head. Can the king move? Can any piece take the checker? Can something get between the checker and the king? A pretty-looking move has to survive all three questions.

Start with a basic mate

Open Piece Checkmates I on Lichess Practice and pick a position. Point to each square around the defending king and name what covers it. If you’re using a rook or bishop, trace the checking line and see whether a defender can block it. If a piece can take the checker, check whether that capture would leave the king in check.

Remember the job, not the picture

Reset the puzzle after solving it and describe what the pieces are doing. One gives check and another keeps the king from escaping. Then try a different pattern and look for the same jobs. If you miss a mate in a real game, write down the defense you missed and play the position again from that side.