Usually just check for these things:
1. Can my opponent move any piece on the field
2. Are all my pieces safe after I make this move
i have no idea how to checkmate
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5 hrs ago
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#3
The best thing to do is leave the king with two safe squares. This guarantees a move, and doesn't allow it to escape.
For example, the queen mate:
King and rook can be harder, but this is the idea:
Checkmating with the bishop pair, or a bishop and a knight, is also a thing, but they're much more rare, and thus aren't nearly as "essential" as these two.
If you're in a different position, there are some other ideas that can work:
1. Underpromotion.
Promote to rooks instead of queens, even if it's unnecessary, as they have less movement and are thus less restrictive.
2. Only play checks.
A stalemate involves the king not being attacked; a check is the very opposite of that. This probably isn't very good advice for actually checkmating (unless you accidentally do it), but still.
3. Leave a piece or two alive.
Shut down any possible counter-play if you get too complacent, but otherwise leave a piece(s) that can move helplessly as you set up a checkmate.
4. Draw arrows.
This is the most important part. Try drawing arrows (right-click and drag) to visualize where your pieces would attack after your move; does the king have an available move in the event that you play this? If the answer is no, and no other piece(s) can move, do not play the move.
5. PAY ATTENTION.
This is really what it all boils down to. Take your time if needed (and if you can), but remember that you can never be too careful.
i get my opponent's pieces down and try to corner the king, but it always ends in a stalemate. i have no idea how to properly checkmate, it's confusing on what counts as a "safe" space because if i get too close the king can just claim my pieces.