Blind Swine Mate
The "Blind Swine" mate is a powerful endgame pattern where two rooks dominate the opponent's second (or seventh) rank. Like hungry pigs devouring a crop, the rooks work together to gobble up pawns and trap the enemy king. Mastering this pattern is essential for converting advantages in rook endgames.
Two Rooks on the 7th Rank (“Pigs on the Seventh”)
This section explains the “pigs on the seventh” idea, where two rooks invade the seventh rank and combine to trap the enemy king with limited escape squares.
The rooks often work as a pair: one gives check, while the other cuts off escape squares, leading to a clean mate (often with simple rook shifts along the 7th).
Two rooks on the 7th, enemy king restricted on the back rank, and escape squares blocked by pieces/pawns.
A rook gives check on the 7th (e.g. Rh7+), then the other rook slides across (e.g. Rcg7#).
Paul Morphy vs Charles Maurian
Odds game (unorthodox), New Orleans (1863) • Famous finish sometimes nicknamed “Miracle on 34th Move” • 1–0
1. The Classic Picture – Two Rooks Already on the 7th
White already has the dream formation: two rooks on the 7th rank (c7 and g7), with Black’s king stuck on h8.
2. The Trigger – 36.Nf8!
White plays 36.Nf8! (from h7 to f8), tightening the net. Black is already close to being mated by rook checks along the 7th.
3. If Black Tries to Survive – 36...Rxf8
A natural defense is to eliminate the knight: 36...Rxf8. But now the rooks take over with a direct checking sequence.
Line: 36...Rxf8 37.Rh7+
4. The Mate Pattern – 37.Rh7+ Kg8 38.Rcg7#
After 37.Rh7+, Black’s king is forced to g8 — and now the second rook slides across to deliver the trademark finish:
38.Rcg7# — the two rooks on the 7th complete the Blind Swine Mate.
Blind Swine Mate Checklist
- Do you have (or can you win) two rooks on the 7th?
- Is the enemy king stuck on the back rank with limited escape squares?
- Can one rook give check (like Rh7+) to force the king sideways?
- Can the other rook slide across the 7th to finish (like Rcg7#)?