Anastasia's Mate
Anastasia's Mate traps a king on the edge. A knight covers the nearby escape squares, one of the king's own pieces blocks another, and a rook or queen mates along the edge.
What to look for
Look for an edge king, a friendly blocker beside it, knight control of the remaining flight squares, and a rook or queen ready to check along the edge file or rank.
Recognize the mechanism
Locate the edge king and its own blocker first. Then trace the knight’s control and the heavy piece’s line along the edge. This separates the confinement mechanism from any earlier sacrifice that may have opened the line.
Common practical mistake
Do not assume a rook and knight near the king automatically make this pattern. If a flight square is open or the edge line can be blocked, calculate the defense before claiming mate.
Training goal
Learn how a knight and heavy piece cooperate to create a mating net.