Paris (café de la Régence) · 17501–0·A knight sacrifice sets up the classic 'Légal's mate' pattern
Légal's Mate
Sire de Légal vs Saint Brie
The oldest famous miniature and the source of a mating pattern every player should know. Légal ignores an apparent pin, sacrifices his queen, and mates with two minor pieces — the trap named after him has caught beginners for nearly three centuries.
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The oldest famous miniature and the source of a mating pattern every player should know. Légal ignores an apparent pin, sacrifices his queen, and mates with two minor pieces — the trap named after him has caught beginners for nearly three centuries.
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The takeaway
A pin is only as strong as the threat behind it. If capturing the pinned piece leads to mate, the pin is an illusion — always check what happens if you break it.
Now go make your own.
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