Pawn mate

A pawn mate occurs when a pawn is the piece giving the final check. The king cannot escape, capture the pawn, or neutralize the attack, so the game ends.

The pattern can take many forms. Since a pawn attacks only the two forward diagonal squares, it needs help to cover everything else. That help may come from the king, other pieces, and often the defender's own pieces or pawns blocking escape.

It is also called the David and Goliath mate because the least valuable piece finishes the king. The label depends on which piece gives check, not which piece prepared the attack. If a pawn only blocks an exit while a rook gives check, it is not a pawn mate.