Learn · Tactical patterns

Hook mate

A rook mates the king, guarded by a knight that a pawn guards in turn.

Black to play · rated 1029

Find the move

Work it out first, then step through the answer.

Your move
Move 1 of 3
Move 2 of 3
Move 3 of 3
Explanations written by Peek AI

How to spot it

  1. 1

    A rook beside the king

    Checking along an edge or a rank.

  2. 2

    A knight behind it

    Guarding the rook and taking an escape square.

  3. 3

    A pawn behind the knight

    So the king can take neither.

Train hook mates

Pick the pattern in Puzzles. The board freezes, so you see the whole line first.

See it before you play it

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