Checkmating Patterns
OPERA MATE
In this mating pattern White uses a rook on the back rank, supported by a bishop
which also cuts off the escape route of the enemy king. An enemy pawn or piece,
other than a knight, occupies the other possible flight square.
The opera mate is named after a famous game played by Paul Morphy against royal
opposition at the Paris Opera during 1858
Reti's Mate
This checkmate requires the cooperation of four enemy pieces, which must occupy
four flight squares. The bishop controls the diagonal squares, and a rook or
queen covers the open files and protects the bishop.
There is no better illustration of this theme than the Reti vs. Tartakower
encounter, in a casual game played in Vienna in1910. That's how the checkmate
got its name.
Pillsbury's Mate
The bishop and rook combine forces in Pillsbury's mate. The rook operates on the
open file, while the bishop removes the remaining flight square.
Cozio's Mate
The 1766 study by a player named Cozio of a special mating pattern gave 'Cozio's
Mate' it's existant present day name
The Cozio 's mate is no stranger to battles at the chessboard. In the 1954
Soviet Championship, Simagin blundered into it against Batuyev and lost.
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