Lesson #1: Introduction to Checkmates

Class was divided into two 30 minute halves. In the first we covered two basic checkmates:

1. "back rank" mates where the king is stuck in a straight set of squares and attacked by a rook or queen
2. mates delivered close to the king by a protected queen

An easy worksheet with mate-in-1 puzzles was distributed, and if you don't have a copy, click here to grab it:

In the second half, I was fortunate to have Rachel and Jaime take the beginners to another room to play games and try the puzzle sheet. Four stronger players remained and we tried to cover some other cool named mates like Anastasia's, Boden's, Arabian, etc. Two other worksheets were handed out:

Remember that in the hard puzzles, sometimes just the threat of one of the discussed mates is used to win a piece or gain an advantage; the mate itself isn't always guaranteed. If you have a puzzle you're stuck on, bring it to the next class and we'll do it together.

One thing I didn't account for, which is obvious in hindsight, is that the kids want to PLAY. So instead of aiming for an hour of lecture next time, we'll probably lecture beginners for 30 minutes while advanced play, and then alternate. Another challenge is keeping names straight and the tally of who you've called on fair. You think you have it together but after a few context switches of the mind, it's difficult to ensure that everyone is getting attention. It probably appeared that I was favoring some and not others but it's completely unintentional.

Overall I'm pleased with how it turned out. Everyone was well behaved. I'd estimate that around 12 students attended.