Chesshound is dedicated to helping you become a better player. Players, coaches, and parents can use our activities to help them better their chess game. Be sure to check out our Best Move Puzzles and our Chesshound Videos to start your learning experience.

1. Qd1# ... Notice how the check can not be blocked and the g2 square is covered by the black bishop on d5. Game over.

2. Qd6+ ... Notice how the move Ke8 is forced for black since the white rook has claimed the f-file. While this move may not be check mate, the next move is. Can you find it?

3. Qc7# ... There's just no where for the black king to go after this move. The white bishop on d6 was very helpful in this checkmate, not to mention that white was happy to have black's knight on d7 so that the black king was caged like an animal!