4 ms·
You only need 4 pawns to mate: with white king at e1, black pawns at d3, e2, e3, and f3 have a mate in one. Position is unlikely against a skilled opponent but
by naet 4y ago
You only need 4 pawns to mate:
with white king at e1, black pawns at d3, e2, e3, and f3 have a mate in one. Position is unlikely against a skilled opponent but could happen in an amateur game if white blunders trying to block a possible pawn promotion). This does require white to have an extra piece somewhere to avoid a stalemate.
- cecilpl2 4y agoThe following FEN is a mate in 4 for black with only 4 black pawns on the board :) 8/3p4/7k/8/8/4pp2/P3p3/4K3 w - - 0 51
- alexmolas 4y agoCool, you're right! I don't know how I missed that one haha
- lhorie 4y agoI think you could do it w/ 3 pawns, by having white king on a1, white pawn on a2, then black pawns on a3, b2 and c2. Two pawns would be possible w/ white king on a1, white pawn on a2, white bishop on b1, and black pawns on b2 and a3. Unlikely positions in a non-cooperative game though.
- alexmolas 4y agoYes, I thought about this kind of position, but I didn't want the king to assist the mate
- naet 4y agoThe original post specified not using the king to help, and I assumed no friendly pieces blocking the checkmated king in. But you can checkmate with either just two pawns or just a king and a pawn if some squares are blocked by unfortunately placed "friendly" pieces.