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Directmate

Also known as: Direct mate

A problem in which White moves first and forces mate against every Black defense within the stated number of moves.

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Explanation

In a directmate, White moves first and must checkmate the black king while Black tries to prevent it. The stipulation, meaning the task set by the problem, gives the maximum number of White moves available. In a mate in three, for example, White must be able to force mate, although a particular defense may allow mate sooner.

The usual notation is #n, where n is the number of White moves. Familiar forms include the , the , and the , which requires four or more White moves.

Black's resistance is essential. That distinguishes a directmate from a , where both sides cooperate to mate Black, and from a , where White forces an unwilling Black to checkmate the white king.

Common confusions

Helpmate

In a helpmate, Black cooperates with White so that the black king is mated. In a directmate, Black defends.

Selfmate

In a selfmate, White tries to make Black checkmate the white king while Black resists. In a directmate, White mates the black king.

Sources

  1. 1.Codex of Chess Compositions, World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC)
  2. 2.Estipulaciones y varios, Unión Argentina de Problemistas de Ajedrez
  3. 3.Glossary of Chess Problem Terms, OzProblems

Related terms

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