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Hey there,


If you’ve ever just started a chess game and suddenly lost in four moves, chances are you’ve run into Scholar’s Mate. It’s one of the oldest tricks in chess and every beginner has faced it at least once.


The idea is simple: White brings the queen and bishop out early to attack the f7 square (right next to Black’s king). If you don’t see it coming, checkmate happens before you even get started.


But here’s the good news: once you know the trick, it’s super easy to stop. A couple of solid moves like developing your knights and playing g6 keep you completely safe and actually leave your opponent worse off for trying it.

The lesson? Traps in chess are double-edged. They only work if you fall for them. Spot them early, and suddenly you’re the one with the advantage.


We broke this down step by step in a short video here:

Watch How to Defend Against Scholar’s Mate


So next time your child (or you!) sees someone rushing out their queen, remember: don’t panic, just defend and enjoy turning the tables.

Student Achievements Corner 

Every week, we highlight our students tournament performances and achievements. Here are the top stories from this month

We’ve got something exciting for beginners 

Scholastic 1-on-1 Classes at Chess Gaja!

If your child is just starting their chess journey, these sessions are a perfect fit. Each 45-minute class is:

  • Beginner-friendly
  • Fun and interactive
  • Easy on the pocket

The best part? They’re available worldwide at an affordable rate (for example, just $14 per session in the USA, with similar pricing adjusted for other countries).

It’s a simple, accessible way to help kids build a strong foundation in chess and start playing with confidence!

👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

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