The line
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 Bg4 4. Nc3 g6 5. Nxe5 Bxd1 6. Bxf7+ Ke7 7. Nd5#
Your moves, explained
- 1. e4 Takes the center.
- 2. Nf3 Hits e5.
- 3. Bc4 Eyes f7.
- 4. Nc3 Controls d5.
- 5. Nxe5 Nxe5! Let Black take the queen.
- 6. Bxf7+ The king must step up.
- 7. Nd5# Legal's Mate.
Frequently asked questions
What are the moves of the Legal's Mate?
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 Bg4 4. Nc3 g6 5. Nxe5 Bxd1 6. Bxf7+ Ke7 7. Nd5#. You play White; When the pin on your knight is fake, give up the queen and mate with three minor pieces.
How do I practise the Legal's Mate?
Watch Chess Talk's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 7 of White's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where Chess Talk explains each move.
Do I need an account?
No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.
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The video is embedded from YouTube and belongs to Chess Talk. Chess DNA is not affiliated with the creator. Updated Nov 10, 2026.