Expert: Chuck Kinzie - 3/1/2010

Question
can I checkmate with castle & a king

Answer
Hi David!  Thanks for your question.

Yes, a castle (usually called a "rook") and a king can force checkmate.  Here is a link that will teach you how to do it:

http://www.chesscorner.com/tutorial/basic/r_k_mate/r_k_mate.htm

King and 2 bishops vs. King is also a forced checkmate.

Also a forced checkmate (but it is very difficult to achieve) is King, knight and bishop vs. King.

Perhaps the greatest injustice in chess is that a king and two knights cannot force a checkmate against a lone king.  If the lone king is careless, he can be checkmated.  But if he doesn't make a mistake then he can easily draw.

Hope I answered your question.  Enjoy your chess!

Your chess friend,

Chuck