Réti's mate

In Réti's mate, a bishop gives the final check and a rook or queen protects it. The king is usually boxed in by several of its own pieces, which occupy the very squares it would need for escape.

The bishop attacks on a diagonal but does not cover every exit by itself. The confinement works because the defender's pieces become obstacles, while the supporting piece prevents the king from capturing the bishop. The pattern therefore depends on both attacking coordination and the king's lack of space.

The Bishop Cannot Be Taken

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a1

b

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h

The bishop on g7 directly attacks the king on h8.

Check, support, and self-confinement

The bishop checks the king on h8, the rook supports it along the g-file, and Black's own pieces occupy both exits.

1. The bishop on g7 directly attacks the king on h8.
2. The rook protects the bishop along the g-file, so the king cannot capture it.
3. The knight on g8 and the pawn on h7 occupy both escape squares.

To recognize it, identify three elements: the checking bishop, the rook or queen protecting it, and the defending pieces sealing the exits. If the king has even one safe square or can capture the bishop without moving into attack, it is not mate.