Chess is a timeless strategy game that has captivated players for centuries. If you want to immerse yourself in a pleasant and fulfilling activity, chess is an excellent choice. If you win a game of chess in just four moves, your opponent may be stunned by such a quick defeat. This strategy, known as four-move checkmate or scientist's checkmate, allows you to catch your opponent off guard and achieve an early checkmate. This guide explains step-by-step how to implement this strategy and gives tips on how to avoid falling prey to it.
White's game advantage
When you play white in chess, there is an advantage to moving first, which gives you the opportunity to control the board and dictate the pace of the game. This advantageous starting position allows for strategic positioning and attacks, making it ideal for four-move checkmate. If the initiative is on your side, you can catch your opponent off guard and achieve a quick victory in just four moves after setting up the board.

Checkmate in four moves
● Move 1: e4 e5
Start the game with a pawn move on e4, called the "King's Pawn Discovery". This move creates opportunities for the queen and bishop, which is a popular strategy in the early game to develop these powerful pawns. Many chess masters, including Grandmaster Bobby Fischer, have praised this move as a solid opening choice. In response, Black usually plays the move e5, which opens up space for the bishop and queen.
● Move 2: Bc4 (or Qh5)
Now develop your bishop by moving it to c4 (Bc4). This move targets the opponent's f7 square, creates a strong position for your bishop and threatens the pawn. The four-move checkmate is based on the combined attack of the bishop and queen. Alternatively, you can also advance the queen first by playing 2. dh5. Although both moves can lead to checkmate in four moves, it is generally better to move the bishop.
● Move 3: Qh5
Bring the queen into play by moving it to h5 (Qh5). With both queen and bishop developed, you now threaten your opponent's f7 square. This move increases the pressure on the opponent's pawn, which is already under attack from your bishop. At this stage, the opponent will make a mistake if he is not familiar with four-way checkmate.

● Move 4: Qxf7
Make the last move by capturing the opponent's pawn on f7 (4. Qxf7) with the queen. Now the black king has nowhere to go, which leads to checkmate. Congratulations! You reached checkmate in just four moves. Try this strategy with your friends and surprise them with your quick victory.
How to avoid four-way checkmate
To avoid becoming a victim of four-way checkmate, follow these recommendations:
- Avoid excessive pawns: the early stages of the game are dangerous. It is important to be careful when advancing pawns aggressively. Their excessive advancement can cause the appearance of weak points, which the opponent can use to gain control over key cells and conduct effective counterattacks. The balance between advancing pawns and maintaining a strong defensive structure is critical to long-term success in chess.
- Rapid development of figures: rapid development of your figures is the key to building a strong defense and being able to resist any aggressive moves. Rapid development allows you to create a solid foundation of defense, opening up the possibility of effective counterattacks.
- Early Casting: By closing early, you protect your king and strengthen his position with a wall of pawns, creating a safe haven in the midst of potential counterattacks. This strategic defensive move not only protects your king, but also strengthens your overall position, allowing you to focus on the development of other pieces and launch a strong attack at the right moment.

- Control the center: By controlling the center of the chessboard, you limit your opponent's attacking options and provide yourself with greater mobility and flexibility for your own attacking maneuvers. By occupying these critical central cells, you create a solid foundation and gain a strategic advantage that sets the stage for a successful game outcome.
While it is fun to learn and experiment with quick checkmate strategies such as checkmate in 4 moves, you should be careful when applying them. Relying solely on these tactics may not produce good results against experienced opponents who are aware of these traps. It is important to apply a comprehensive approach that promotes strong development, strategic thinking and control of the center. In this way, you increase your chances of avoiding the threat of checkmate and enjoying a more fulfilling game.
It is not recommended to use these checkmate strategies in tournaments. If executed poorly, they can leave your queen vulnerable and put you at a disadvantage without much gain. Instead, focus, understand and recognize such moves to protect yourself from potential checkmate situations. Embrace the rich complexity of chess, constantly improve your skills. To be successful in your chess journey, each game requires thoughtful and strategic thinking.
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