scholar's mate

British  

noun

1. chess a simple mate by the queen on the f7 square, achievable by white's fourth move

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Example Sentences

“The scholar’s mate, or the fool’s mate, is when you bring out your queen and bishop and attack your opponent’s bishop pawn in front of the king. At a beginner’s level it’s the simplest, fastest and most effective way to try and checkmate, but against an experienced opponent it won’t work: your pieces will be driven back and your opponent will gain the advantage.”

From The Guardian

Checkmate, Mr. Ernest, checkmate: a scholar's mate for you!

From Project Gutenberg

He was only too confident of what he saw, for a trifling neglect by him of Susie's advice enabled her brother to announce what players call "the scholar's mate" in a very few moves.

From Project Gutenberg

He didn't allow himself to be foiled by such a scholar's mate.

From Project Gutenberg

Scholar's Mate.—A checkmate occasionally given at the opening of a game by a practised player to one but little tutored in the science.

From Project Gutenberg