Reti's Mate

This checkmate requires the cooperation of four enemy pieces, which must occupy four flight squares. The bishop controls the diagonal squares, and a rook or queen covers the open files and protects the bishop.

See Diagram:   Reti's Mate Theme

Reti's Mate in Action

There is no better illustration of this theme than the Reti vs. Tartakower encounter, in a casual game played in Vienna in1910. That's how the checkmate got its name.

White: Reti                        Black: Tartakower

Vienna,1910

1.e4 c6    2.d4 d5    3.Nc3 dxe4     4.Nxe4 Nf6    5.Qd3 e5?

[This move has now been rejected as an unreliable move.]

6.dxe5 Qa5+    7.Bd2 Qxe5    8.0-0-0 Nxe4?  (See Diagram)

           Position after Black's 8th move

[White has too great a lead in development for Black to be indulging in such foolishness. Now the win is as easy as throwing stones in a pond.]

9.Qd8+!! Kxd8 10.Bg5+ Kc7

[If 10....Ke8 11.Rd8 mate is the now familiar "Opera Mate"]

11.Bd8#.    (See Diagram)  

The Final Position.   ''Reti's Mate''   Delivered .                      

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