Hook mate

Hook mate is recognized by a chain of pieces working like linked parts. The rook gives check, the knight protects the rook or covers awkward escape squares, and in the classic form a pawn supports the knight. One of the defender's own pieces or pawns often closes the last exit.

Three links, no escape

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a1

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

The rook on f8 checks the king on g8.

The pawn holds the whole net together

The rook on f8 checks the king on g8. The knight on h7 protects the rook on f8. The pawn on g6 protects the knight on h7. The black pawn on g7 occupies the final escape square.

1. The rook on f8 checks the king on g8.
2. The black pawn on g7 occupies the king's final escape square.

The rook controls rows and columns, while the knight reaches squares with its unusual jump. Together they can imprison the king with fewer attackers than might seem necessary. The supporting pawn matters because it prevents the defender from removing the knight and breaking the whole net.

The pattern is not tied to one exact set of squares. It can occur in several edge arrangements as long as the pieces keep the same functions. It is related to Arabian mate, but hook mate more clearly features the rook, knight, and pawn support chain.