Vienna · 19101–0·Réti mates with a queen sacrifice and a double check
A Queen Sacrifice and Double Check
Richard Réti vs Savielly Tartakower
One of the most quoted miniatures ever played. Réti sacrifices his queen with check, and after the king is dragged into the open, a double check finishes the game in eleven moves. The perfect illustration of why double check is the most forcing move in chess.
Start
One of the most quoted miniatures ever played. Réti sacrifices his queen with check, and after the king is dragged into the open, a double check finishes the game in eleven moves. The perfect illustration of why double check is the most forcing move in chess.
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The takeaway
Double check is the most forcing move on the board: the king has to move, so no amount of material or defenders can help. When your pieces line up on an exposed king, look for the checks first.
Now go make your own.
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