Hook Mate

In the hook mate a rook mates from a square next to the king; a knight protects the rook and a pawn protects the knight. The king's own pawn blocks one escape.

8a7b6c5d4e3f2g1h
Start
Pieces
Rook + knight + pawn
Level
Advanced
Mating side
White
Also known as
hook mate, kale at piyon matı

Moves

1.Rf8#

1.Rf8 gives check. The rook is protected by the e6 knight and the knight by the d5 pawn; the king can take neither. Its own pawn blocks e7 and the knight covers g7: mate.

Try it against the computerSolve puzzles

How to recognise Hook Mate

  • Rook, knight and pawn protect one another in a hook shape.
  • The rook checks from a square adjacent to the king.
  • One escape is blocked by the king's own pawn.

How to defend

  • Dislodge a pawn-supported knight on e6 (e3).
  • Keep your king away from an open rank.
Hook Mate: the final position

Frequently asked questions

Why 'hook'?

The rook, knight and pawn form a hook-like chain.

Where does it occur?

Mostly in late middlegames where the king is stuck in the centre or its shelter is broken.

Continue with lessons

Similar checkmate patterns

  • Anastasia's Mate — In Anastasia's mate a knight covers the king's escape squares and a rook mates along the edge file.
  • Arabian Mate — The Arabian mate is a rook and knight mating a king in the corner.
  • Swallow's Tail Mate — In the swallow's tail mate the protected queen checks directly in front of the king, and the king's diagonal retreats are blocked by its own pieces.

← All checkmate tacticsNext: Blackburne's Mate →