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The idea
Two knights can mate only if the defender helps: to cover the last escape square, the knights must give the king no move a move too early, which is stalemate.
The last move needed for mate always comes one move too early.
- You defend with the lone king: stay away from the corners and the edges when you can.
- When you are pushed to the edge, choose the square from which the next check cannot be mate.
- A mate in one exists only if you walk into it: before each king move, look at both knights' next checks.
- With careful play the game is a draw; the tablebase tells you after every move.
Press Next (or →) to watch the technique, move by move. Your side starts.
Every verdict comes from the Lichess tablebase (exact for seven pieces or fewer).