Checkmate patterns
Mate in 5
A long forced mating sequence — calculation stamina.
What is the mate in 5?
A mate-in-five is a forced mate five moves deep against best defence. These are the marathon puzzles: typically a sacrifice to open the king, a series of precise checks, and a quiet move or two woven in so the net never tears.
Why the mate in 5 matters
Few practical games need a five-mover, but training them is pure calculation strength training. The depth forces you to visualise long lines accurately — and that stamina pays off in every sharp middlegame you ever reach.
How to use it to win
Anchor on the most forcing move and follow it to the end; if it fails, back up one branch and try the next. Trust nothing you have not calculated to mate, and watch for the quiet move that the position has been hiding.
Try an example puzzle
A real mate in 5 puzzle from the app. White to move — find the idea, then reveal the line.
8 
6 
4 
2 h 1 Show solution
1. Qxh6+ Bxh6 2. Rxh6+ Rh7 3. Rxh7+ Kg8 4. Rh8+ Kf7 5. R1h7#
Drill the mate in 5 on thousands of real puzzles, matched to your rating.