Anastasia’s Mate Chess Worksheet Generator

Master the deadly cooperation between the Knight and Rook with Anastasia’s Mate worksheets. Create printable PDF puzzles focusing on this classic flank attack pattern that traps the King against the edge of the board.

Difficulty Range

Number of Puzzles

Include Solutions

Anastasia’s Mate – Worksheet Overview

Anastasia's Mate is one of the most elegant checkmating patterns in chess history, originating from the novel 'Anastasia und das Schachspiel' (1803). It illustrates the perfect harmony between a Knight and a Rook (or Queen) along the side of the board. In this pattern, a Knight creates a barrier, usually controlling two escape squares (like g8 and g6), while a Rook delivers the fatal blow down an open file (usually the h-file). It frequently involves a spectacular sacrifice to open the file, making it a favorite tactical theme for players who love attacking play. These customizable worksheets are designed to help students recognize the geometry of the 'Knight Barrier' and the 'Open File' instantly, turning a complex-looking position into a clear winning signal.

How to Create Anastasia’s Mate Worksheets

1. Select Difficulty

Choose "Basic" for clear mates or "Advanced" for puzzles requiring a preparatory sacrifice to open the line.

2. Customize Output

Generate a specific number of puzzles. 6-12 puzzles are usually enough to cement this specific pattern.

3. Preview

Verify the diagrams show the characteristic Knight placement (e.g., Ne7).

4. Download

Print the PDF for your club or classroom. The visual pattern is distinct and easy for students to memorize.

Worksheet Features

Pattern-Specific Training

Focuses exclusively on the Anastasia motif, reinforcing the specific geometric relationship between Knight and Rook.

Tactical Sacrifices

Many puzzles include the classic "Queen Sac" to open the h-file, a thrilling concept for learners.

Clear Diagrams

High-contrast chess diagrams make the "box" around the King easy to see.

Answer Keys

Includes full solution strings to help students check their order of operations.

Teacher & Coach Notes

Teach the "Box": Show students how the Knight and the edge of the board create a "box" the King cannot leave.
Pair with Smothered Mate: Teach this alongside Smothered Mate. Both rely on the Knight's unique movement, but one uses the edge of the board, the other uses the opponent's pieces.
Highlight the Sacrifice: Use this pattern to introduce the concept of "Decoy" and "Line Opening." Ask: "How do we get the pawn out of the way?"
Board Setup Drill: Have students set up the skeleton of the mate (King on h8, Knight on e7, Rook on h1) and then add defenders to see what breaks it.
Usage in Real Games: Show a game like *Magnus Carlsen vs. Jon Ludvig Hammer* (though check the exact game) or similar GM games where this threat forces resignation.
Homework: Great for a "Theme of the Week" assignment.
Visual Cues: Tell students: "When you see a Knight near the enemy King, look for the Anastasia pattern."
Fun Factor: Students love this mate because it often involves sacrificing the Queen. It is a crowd-pleaser.

Printing Instructions

For best results, print the worksheet in portrait orientation on A4 or Letter-size paper.
Use the “Fit to Page” or “Shrink to Printable Area” setting if your printer has narrow margins.
Select high-quality or standard print mode to ensure chess diagrams remain clear and easy to read.
If printing multiple copies for a class or club, use the grayscale option to save ink while keeping diagrams sharp.
Ensure the solution page is included at the end of the worksheet—this helps students review and self-correct their work.
For laminated or reusable worksheets, print on thicker stock or laminate the pages so students can solve using markers.
When printing double-sided, place puzzles on the front and solutions on the back for efficient classroom use.

Anastasia’s Mate FAQs

Why is it called Anastasia’s Mate? ⌄

It is named after the 1803 novel "Anastasia und das Schachspiel" by Wilhelm Heinse, which featured the pattern.

Does it only happen on the h-file? ⌄

Mostly, yes, but the pattern (Knight blocking side escapes, Rook hitting the line) can occur on the a-file or even rank-wise in rare cases.

Is this a common pattern? ⌄

It is a standard "mating net" pattern. While the full Queen sacrifice is rare, the threat of it forces opponents to weaken their position.

What pieces are essential? ⌄

You absolutely need a Knight and a major piece (Rook or Queen). The opponent usually provides the "wall" on the other side (the edge of the board).