The Box Mate is one of the four fundamental checkmate patterns that every player must know (IM Reuben Fine and other sources). In fact, the simplest Box Mate pattern is the only way to reach a checkmate with just a Rook and King against a lone King.

This game collection is for those games where the ending has nothing but King and Queen against a lone King in a Box Mate pattern-- the defending King is in a corner or on the edge of the board. For practical purposes, a game with one insignificant, defending Pawn may be included here as well.

Note the fact that the Kings will be in Direct Opposition, as for most other cases of the Box Mate. That is a major requirement for its success, along with the targeted King being at the edge or in the corner of the chessboard. When the defending King is in the corner, either Direct Opposition or Rectangular Opposition are required, however.

Stockfish shows that the game Lautier vs F Vareille, 1996 should have been a Draw from move 66. As it was played, it could have ended as a Special In-His-Face Mate with the change to 81. Qg4# (in the continuation from Stockfish).

This game collection covers the Box Mate as only the Queen can do it. We have Queen and King against lone King. The Kings are in Rectangular Opposition, rather than Direct Opposition. This fact is one of two key differentiating points. The Queen is somewhat distant from the defending King, but covers the escape square. This makes the second differentiator. A beautiful example of harmony in teamwork by the Queen and King. So, I wanted to call out games with this pattern to my students (and others who would find such games of interest).

In several endings, either this Queen's Special Box Mate (CCC) or the In-His-Face (CCC) could have been made. The predominant choice by far is to make the In-His-Face Mate (CCC). Could it be more intimidating or better suited to an aggressive personality? I fear that the Queen's Special Box Mate (CCC) may just be overlooked.

ChessCoachClark (CCC) originated this game collection in September of 2021 and he updates it on occasion. It has even been renamed in September of 2024. This project is a work in progress, culling games from various sources, including several chess training books and personal research. The games are ordered by date (oldest first), not by importance.

Be well.
Be safe.