Checkmate patterns
Vukovic's mate
A rook mates on the edge, supported by a piece that also blocks escapes.
What is the vukovic's mate?
In Vukovic's mate a rook delivers mate to a king on the edge while a third piece both supports the rook and covers the king's escape squares. It is named after Vladimir Vuković, author of the classic "The Art of Attack in Chess".
Why the vukovic's mate matters
It is the general template behind a whole family of edge mates: rook checks, supporter protects. Once you hold the idea "the checking piece needs a guard", you start finding mates that look one defender short.
How to use it to win
Drive the king to the edge, then deliver a rook check on a square defended by a knight or your own king. With the supporter also taking a flight square, the king cannot capture or run.
Try an example puzzle
A real vukovic's mate puzzle from the app. White to move — find the idea, then reveal the line.
5 
2 
e Show solution
1. Re6#
Drill the vukovic's mate on thousands of real puzzles, matched to your rating.