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The Dreadful Scholar's Mate!
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Scholar's Mate (4-move mate)... is it legal?  Yes
Should it be banned from tournament play?  We wish!

We strongly recommend that Parents & Coaches teach their novice chess players how to defend against Scholar's Mate before they attend their first tournament. 
 
Here are the standard moves (there are other variations)
 
E4 E5, BC4 BC5, QF3 (or QH5) NC6, QxF7#
 
USCF rules do not discourage or ban Scholar's Mate from tournament play.  It is imperative that novice players know how to defend against this "cheesy chess trick".   That's all it is.
 
In Scholar's Mate the game is over in a matter of seconds.  The person who loses so quickly usually feels stupid, embarrassed and humiliated.  They are then faced with at least an hour of waiting for the next round, with nothing to do but worry that it will happen again!
 
We encourage all players to show the scholar's mate defense to new players and especially to anyone who loses a game to it.  It's a powerful gift to give any new chess player.  
 
Players who use Scholar's Mate in our tournaments forfeit any chance of winning sportsmanship or chess excellence awards.  Scholar's mate requires no skill or special training.  It's just a cheap trick.    
 
To find out more about Scholar's Mate visit these websites:
 

 

 
Additional Questions?  Email clatskaniechessclub@gmail.com

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