Fig. 18 represents the most unfavourable position for White. The shortest
way to checkmate the Black King is--
WHITE. BLACK.
1. K to B 4 1. K to K 5
2. R to K sq.: ch. 2. K to B 4
3. K to Q 4 3. K to B 5
4. R to B sq.: ch. 4. K to Kt 4
5. K to K 4 ...
It will be noticed that the White King always approaches at the distance of
a Knight's move, whilst the Black King moves either on diagonals, or takes
the "opposition" to the White King.
... 5. K to Kt 3
6. K to K 5 6. K to Kt 4
7. R to Kt sq.: ch. 7. K to R 5
8. K to B 5 8. K to R 6
9. K to B 4 9. K to R 7
10. R to Kt 3 10. K to R 8
11. K to B 3 11. K to R 7
12. K to B 2 12. K to R 8
13. R to R 3, mate.
N.B.--The Rook can only checkmate on an outer row or file of the board.
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