check mate crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "check mate crossword", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully organized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "check mate crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
WIN: A concise term for the outcome of a successful checkmate in chess, signifying victory.
4 Letters
MATE: Directly from "check mate," referring to the final move in chess. Can also refer to a companion in general clues.
KING: The primary target of a checkmate in chess; an essential piece.
5 Letters
CHECK: The first part of "check mate," meaning the king is under threat but not yet defeated.
QUEEN: A powerful chess piece, often instrumental in delivering a checkmate.
6 Letters
DEFEAT: The ultimate outcome for the player whose king is checkmated, a loss.
KNIGHT: Another chess piece that can be involved in setting up or delivering a checkmate.
7 Letters
ENDGAME: The final phase of a chess game where checkmates are frequently executed.
VICTORY: The overall result for the player who achieves checkmate.
9 Letters
STALEMATE: While not a checkmate (it's a draw), this chess term is often clued similarly as a "deadlock" or "no-win situation" in a puzzle context related to chess endings.
More About "check mate crossword"
"Check mate" is a highly evocative phrase, signaling the end of a chess game and a definitive victory for one side. In the realm of crossword puzzles, this clue can be quite versatile, leading to answers directly related to chess strategy, game outcomes, or even the individual words "check" (as in verify) and "mate" (as in partner or friend). This dual nature makes it a popular clue for constructors, allowing for both literal and more abstract interpretations.
Understanding the nuances of "check mate" in crosswords often involves considering the number of letters required for the solution. Short answers might focus on the individual words or the simple outcome (e.g., WIN, MATE), while longer answers could delve into the game phase (ENDGAME) or related chess terms. Crossword setters love to play on words, so always be mindful of potential puns or alternative meanings that might fit the letter count and surrounding letters.
Beyond its literal chess meaning, "check mate" can also imply a decisive defeat or an unassailable position in a broader sense. This makes it a rich source of synonyms for victory, defeat, or finality. By exploring these various interpretations, solvers can unlock a wider array of potential solutions and improve their chances of cracking the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: Always start by counting the boxes for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly, helping you discard answers that don't fit the length.
- Consider Alternative Meanings: For clues like "check mate," think beyond the literal. "Check" can mean to verify, and "mate" can mean a friend. Does the surrounding context or other clues hint at a non-chess-related meaning?
- Look for Common Crossword Themes: Chess terms are very common in crosswords. If you see one chess-related clue, keep an eye out for others. Puzzles often have internal themes or groups of related answers.
- Use Crossing Letters: The most powerful tool is using the letters from intersecting words. Even one or two crossing letters can make the correct answer jump out.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "check mate" mean in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, "check mate" typically refers to the end of a chess game where the king is under attack and cannot escape. It can also hint at words related to victory, defeat, or the game of chess itself, or even the individual words 'check' and 'mate' used in other contexts like 'verify' or 'partner'.
Are chess terms common in crosswords?
Yes, chess terms like KING, QUEEN, ROOK, KNIGHT, PAWN, CHECK, MATE, STALEMATE, and ENDGAME are very common in crosswords due to their concise nature, distinct meanings, and broad recognition. They offer a rich source of clues for puzzle constructors.
How do I find the right "check mate" answer if there are many possibilities?
Always look at the exact letter count required by the puzzle and any crossing letters you've already filled in. Consider if the clue is looking for a direct chess term (like MATE or ENDGAME) or a broader concept like WIN or DEFEAT. Sometimes, the context of the puzzle's theme or other clues can also provide hints.