This simple five-move game demonstrates how fast chess principles can lead to a checkmate if the opponent ignores king safety. We’ll play the Italian Game, where both players develop naturally — until one mistake ends the game!
White opens with 1. e4, taking control of the center and freeing the queen and bishop. Black replies 1... e5, mirroring White’s control.
White develops the kingside knight with 2. Nf3, attacking the pawn on e5. Black defends it naturally with 2... Nc6.
White plays 3. Bc4, targeting the weak f7 square near Black’s king. Black mirrors the move with 3... Bc5, a logical developing choice.
White plays 4. Qh5, threatening both the f7 pawn and the e5 pawn. Black plays the blunder 4... Nf6??, overlooking the direct checkmate threat.
White captures on f7 with the queen: 5. Qxf7#. The f7 square was weakly defended, and the bishop on c4 supports the queen for a quick checkmate.
Try playing this exact game against a friend or computer. If you’re on the Black side, practice defending properly with 4... Qe7 or 4... g6 to avoid the quick mate.