scholar's mate

noun

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

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