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How to checkmate with two knights?

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jmoopening

Do we have a definitive guide on how to do this? Like with the two bishops checkmate. And with the knight and bishop checkmate. Thank you. 

KeSetoKaiba

Checkmate with two knights alone can't be forced. In extremely rare situations, two knights can checkmate if the opponent has a single pawn (by setting up a mating net and then blockading the pawn, but then releasing the blockade at the precise moment to force the pawn into advancing while the newly freed knight moves in to deliver checkmate).

blepppy
I’m going to pass up the opportunity to make the ‘Two Horses Mate’ joke
ParishruthM100

There is a definite 2 bishops checkmate way............Not sure about 2 knights....Thank you

ParishruthM100

For more information on checkmate...go to https://www.chess.com/lessons/absolutely-must-know-endgames/winning-with-two-knights-must-know-endgames

saumyaa_2012

If win with two pawns that's amazing

justbefair

Good suggestion.

EndgameEnthusiast2357

2 knights checkmate can only be forced if the opponent has a pawn left that can move, as long as the pawn isn't passed something called the "Troitsky Line". If the enemy king is already on the edge, you can checkmate them with the following 5 step process:

1st, triangulate so that it's the same position with the opponents side to move.

2nd, force the same domination pattern of the king and 1 knight vs the king, but where the king is on the 1st rank (where the pawn is heading).

3rd, Repeat the similar triangulation procedure from step 1 to once again force this position with the opponents side to move.

4th, maneuver the knight so that the king has only 2 squares to move back and forth between.

5th, bring in the other knight, the first knight can now stalemate the king, forcing the pawn move, and then the 2nd knight can checkmate the trapped king before the pawn can do any damage!

EndgameEnthusiast2357

Also note there is no definitive guide for positions where the king isn't already on the edge near the corner like this. Tablebases handle the rest. For examples computers have proven this is a forced mate in 96 with perfect play from both sides:

Mazetoskylo

2 knights without any pawns is a draw (mate can be achieved only if the opponent is super-cooperative), but not an automatic one (always according to the official rules of chess). You have to defend for 50 moves before claiming the draw, but defense is extremely simple, even with 1 second increment.

First possible case: Only a fool would play 1...Kh8 here, and allow 2.Nf7#

Second (and last) possible case: The same fool would play 1...Kd8 and allow 2.Ne6#.

borovicka75
I cańt stop laughing on title “absolutelly must know endgame: checkmate with two knights”. Dońt waste your time learning endgame you will never ever have in your game. Study rook endgames, these are most common.
jmoopening
EndgameEnthusiast2357 wrote:

2 knights checkmate can only be forced if the opponent has a pawn left that can move, as long as the pawn isn't passed something called the "Troitsky Line". If the enemy king is already on the edge, you can checkmate them with the following 5 step process:

1st, triangulate so that it's the same position with the opponents side to move.

2nd, force the same domination pattern of the king and 1 knight vs the king, but where the king is on the 1st rank (where the pawn is heading).

3rd, Repeat the similar triangulation procedure from step 1 to once again force this position with the opponents side to move.

4th, maneuver the knight so that the king has only 2 squares to move back and forth between.

5th, bring in the other knight, the first knight can now stalemate the king, forcing the pawn move, and then the 2nd knight can checkmate the trapped king before the pawn can do any damage!

Thank you for this guide. This what I am looking.

SacrifycedStoat
It only would if your opponent is trying to lose
kaiden534
A
SacrifycedStoat
#16 that doesn’t work.