Figure 6.2.6.15[Black to move]

This illustrates the outcome of variation (c) just described. Black is mated.

These variations we have been considering are a detour from our study of classic mating patterns, but they are too valuable to pass up as studies in the art of hunting down a king in open territory with checks that finally leave it nowhere to run. Variation (b) shows the value of remembering to summon other pieces into the hunt (White’s bishop) where you can do so without a loss of time. All three variations, but especially (b) and (c), also are good exercises in keeping track of the ways that a king’s flight squares can be eliminated by different pieces working together.