Swallow's Tail Mate (Guéridon): chess tactic

Queen in front of the king, friendly pieces at both elbows

A queen delivers mate from directly in front of the king with two of the king's own pieces blocking the diagonal escape squares behind it. The king's own pieces form a forked tail behind the king, hence the name. Also called the Guéridon Mate (French for a small round table) because the king sits as if on a pedestal. The queen needs a defender so the king cannot capture.

• Queen directly in front of the king, defended so the king cannot capture.
• Two of the king's own pieces flank it behind, blocking the diagonal escapes.
• Also called Guéridon Mate (king sitting on a pedestal).
• Look for it on uncastled kings with both back-rank flanks still occupied.