Lesson 18 of 20 · Endgame · 7 min

Mate Threats and Brinkmate

Endgames are races, and a quiet mate threat that cannot be stopped often wins faster than any check.

Tell a mate threat from a check and play quiet threats.
Find brinkmates that no defense can stop.
Count the endgame race to decide whether to attack or defend.

A mate threat (tsumero) is a move that threatens checkmate next turn. It does not give check, but if the opponent ignores it, they lose.

A brinkmate (hisshi) is a mate threat that cannot be stopped. Whatever the opponent does, mate follows. In the endgame, a brinkmate usually wins even if you are behind in material.

🔒 2 more cards and 2 more practice positions continue in the app — this lesson is free there.

Try the first practice

Opponentno pieces in hand

You

Practice 1 of 1

No mate yet. Make a quiet move that threatens mate.

Remember: A mate threat says 'mate next move'; a brinkmate is a threat with no defense. In the endgame, count the race and prefer quiet threats that the opponent cannot stop.