fool's mate
Chess's fastest loss
Fool's mate is the fastest possible checkmate in chess, achieved in just two moves.
It occurs when one player weakens their king's position by advancing pawns injudiciously, allowing the opponent's queen to deliver mate on the second move.
The name reflects the blunder required to fall victim to it: He lost to fool's mate and never lived it down.
opening
Timed strategic board game
- chess openingPlanned initial board moves
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- king's pawnFoot soldier on e2
- surprise attackUnanticipated offensive strike
blunder
Foolish, costly mistake
- miscalculationError in estimation
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
- rookie mistakeBlunder from inexperience
- fatal errorUnrecoverable computing malfunction
gaffe · misstep · inexperience
checkmate
Overwhelming win, clear outcome
- resignationVoluntary relinquishment of position
- game overFinal failure message
- winning positionFavorable competitive standing
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
speed chess
Timed strategic board game
- chess openingPlanned initial board moves
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- king's pawnFoot soldier on e2
blunder
Foolish, costly mistake
- miscalculationError in estimation
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
- rookie mistakeBlunder from inexperience
fatal error · gaffe · misstep · inexperience
decisive victory
Overwhelming win, clear outcome
- resignationVoluntary relinquishment of position
- game overFinal failure message
- winning positionFavorable competitive standing
speed record
Documented fastest performance
- checkmates
- fool's ___