Mastering the Swallow's Tail Mate:
A Key Checkmate Pattern in Chess

The Swallow's Tail Mate , also known as Guéridon's Checkmate , is a fascinating and effective checkmate pattern that every chess player should understand.


In this scenario, the queen delivers a checkmate while standing directly next to the enemy king, whose escape is blocked by its own pieces. This pattern, named for its resemblance to a swallow's tail, is a vital tool in a player's tactical arsenal.

By learning to recognize and execute the Swallow's Tail Mate, you can enhance your strategic play and increase your chances of success in various endgame situations.

Swallow-Tail Mate Chess Articles

Explore a curated selection of articles and resources to deepen your understanding of the Swallow's Tail Mate. From detailed explanations and examples to challenging puzzles, these guides will enhance your chess tactics and endgame strategies.


Swallow’s Tail Mate - ChessFox: This article provides a detailed explanation of the Swallow's Tail Mate, including 2 illustrative examples to help chess players understand this critical checkmate pattern in chess.

Swallow's Tail Mate - ChessPuzzle.net: Offers a comprehensive guide to the Swallow's Tail Mate, complete with examples and related patterns like the Dovetail Mate and Epaulette Mate , making it a valuable resource for mastering different chess tactics.

A Slew of Swallow's Tails - Chess Kid Article - This article presents 8 progressively challenging problems, perfect for players looking to practice and perfect their understanding of the Swallow's Tail Mate in endgame situations.

Swallow's Tail part deux (2) - Chess Kid Article - Features 4 problems from easy to difficult, with the final problem incorporating a Decoy Tactic, providing a well-rounded approach to learning and applying the Swallow's Tail Mate effectively.



Swallow-Tail Mate LiChess Studies

These interactive lessons and puzzles cover essential theory and famous games, helping you master this checkmate pattern through practical examples and challenges.


Checkmate Patterns III - 2 Examples ( LiChess Beginners Mate Practice Area)

Swallow's tail mate - 12 Chapter Study - (3 Chapters Theory w/ 9 Chapter Games)

Puzzles: Swallow's Tail (Gueridion) Mate - 2 Chapter Interactive Study - Famous Games (Fisher)

Swallow-Tail Mate Video Lessons


Swallow's Tail Mate - 3 Min - IM John Barholomew - a checkmate pattern where the king is trapped by its own pieces and checkmated by a queen or rook. The video includes an example of how this pattern is achieved during a game, making it beginner-friendly and easy to understand.
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