Chess Patterns ❯ Knight and Bishop Techniques ❯ Mating Net

Mating Net

A Mating Net is a chess technique where several pieces work together to create a "net" of threats around the opponent's King, limiting its escape squares and leading to an inevitable checkmate. In the diagram above, White sets up the deadly net by playing the quiet move 1.Bg7. Black has no real options. The main line continues: 1...Nf5 2.h4+ Nxh4 3.gxh4+ Kf5 4.Bh3#.

Ideas for when you are creating a Mating Net: (1) Anticipate and neutralize your opponent's possible counterplay, (2) Consider sacrifices that can remove defensive pieces or limit the King's mobility. Ideas against a Mating Net: (1) Recognize the threat early and try to disrupt your opponent's plan.

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Master Mating Nets

When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on Mating Nets. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this powerful technique.

How To Recognize Mating Nets 👀
This video by Chess Vibes is a fantastic introduction to Mating Nets. First NM Nelson Lopez explains how they are different from Mating Patterns and then provides a lot of great examples. A must-see.

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10 Levels of Tactics: The Mating Net
In this excellent video, The Chess Nerd takes you on a 10-levels-of-difficulty journey through Mating Nets. Enjoy it.

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Mikhail Tal Weaves a Mating Net in a dead-draw position
Another great video by the Chess Wisdom channel. This time we are treated to a game by Mikhail Tal in which he masterfully demonstrates the power of Mating Nets.

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Complete Book of Chess Strategy*
Another excellent chess book from a truly passionate master. Jeremy Silman breaks down complex concepts with incredible clarity, including mating nets. Whether you're a novice or an intermediate player, this book is a must-have.

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Art of Attack in Chess*
A timeless classic by Vladimir Vuković. Packed with content focused on one of chess most thrilling aspects: attacking. Rich with examples that feature mating nets.

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