Named after the German Chess master from the 19th century, Adolf Anderssen, Anderssen’s Mate is a checkmate pattern that is played using a rook or a queen that attacks the opposing king on the 8th rank while being supported by either a pawn or a bishop. The pawn or bishop supporting the attacking piece is also supported by another piece, such as a connected pawn.
Examples
1. Anderssen vs Zukertort
The first example of Anderssen’s Mate is from the game where the pattern originally occurred, which was Anderssen vs Zukertort in 1869.
The move Rh8# would follow if the game continued, displaying the Anderssen Mate. Adolf Anderssen sacrificed multiple pieces of material to reach this position that would lead to this checkmate pattern which would be named after him following this game.
2. Anderssen vs Kieseritzky
The next example we’ll look at is from the original Immortal Game between Anderssen and Kieseritzky.
3. Anderssen vs Medley
This example is from a game between Anderssen and Medley.
4. Falkbeer vs Anderssen
This example is from a game between Falkbeer and Anderssen that took place in 1851.
5. Evergreen Game
This example is from a game that became famous and is now known as the Evergreen Game.
I hope this guide on the Anderssen Mate pattern helped you. If you liked this post, you may want to learn all of the other checkmate patterns such as the Back-Rank Mate and Greco’s Mate.