Dovetail Mate Chess Puzzles
A queen delivers checkmate while friendly pieces block the king's escape on both diagonal squares.
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About Dovetail Mate
The dovetail mate (also called the swallow's tail mate in some traditions) features a queen giving checkmate while the king's diagonal escape squares are blocked by its own pieces. The resulting position resembles a dovetail joint or a swallow's tail shape. This elegant pattern arises most often in the endgame and requires precise piece maneuvering to achieve.
How to use these puzzles
Study the position carefully before moving any pieces. Try to find the best move on your own, then click on the piece you want to move and select the target square. Use the Hint button if you get stuck. After solving the puzzle, use the Next Puzzlebutton in the Current Turn card to practice another position from this theme.