The four-move checkmate — and how to stop it

Almost every new player loses to it once: 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 3.Qh5 and 4.Qxf7#, the four-move checkmate known as Scholar's Mate. The queen and bishop gang up on f7 — the square only the king defends — and it's over before the game feels like it started.

Why it works

f7 (and f2 for White) is the weakest square in the starting position because only the king guards it. Bring a queen and bishop to bear on it while the defender is asleep, and mate follows.

The defence: develop and watch f7

When the queen comes out early, meet it calmly. After 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Nf6 develops a piece and attacks the e4-pawn; if White tries 3.Qh5, then 3…Qe7 or 3…g6 chases the queen and you're simply better — White has broken the opening principle of not moving the queen out too early, and you'll punish it.

The lasting lesson isn't the trick, it's the habit: before you move, ask what your opponent is threatening. Spot the attack on f7 and Scholar's Mate never works on you again.