Discover the Ultimate Beginner's Checkmate with IM Jeremy Silman

​While you may have heard of "Dovoretsky's Endgame Manual", a book as complicated as that may not be right for a chess beginner. While something like "Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess" would be perfect for a beginner, it can be quickly outgrown. Jesus de la Villa's famous "100 Endgames You Must Know" sounds like the perfect book for a beginner, but many of his endgames are complicated and could be overwhelming for a new chess player. 
 
As a beginner in chess, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the many different strategies and techniques you need to master to become a skilled player. But one thing you don't want to miss out on is the staircase mate, which is considered a must-know by IM Jeremy Silman, one of the premier chess authors and tutors in the world.
 
 

The staircase mate is a classic way to win in beginner chess by trapping the opponent's king at the end of the board. Two heavy pieces, like a queen or rook (also called "Major Pieces"), work together to force the king to the edge. They take turns attacking the king and blocking its escape route, like steps in a staircase. Finally, the king runs out of room and gets trapped, with no way to escape. This works best when there are few other pieces on the board to get in the way.

Silman states that every beginner must know the staircase mate, as it is a fundamental strategy that can be used time and time again in various different situations. To learn more about the staircase mate and other important endgames that every beginner should know, check out the book "Silman's Complete Endgame Course" by IM Jeremy Silman. In it, Silman doesn't just cover the staircase mate, but a wide range of other endgame strategies and techniques.
 
 
Silman's book is the perfect resource for chess players of all levels, but especially for beginners. The author has expertly broken down the endgame into sections, making it easy for players to identify what they need to focus on as they grow and improve their game. With the step-by-step guidance provided in the book, players will never outgrow it, making it a valuable resource for a lifetime of chess improvement. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your game to the next level, "Silman's Complete Endgame Course" is the book you need to master the endgame and become a well-rounded chess player.