The Epaulette Mate resembles the visual appearance of an ornamental shoulder piece sometimes worn by elite military personnel.
The Epaulette checkmate pattern is very similar to the Swallow’s Tail Mate.
Epaulette Mate Example #1
Diagram above: White plays 1.Qf6# Note how the black rook and pawn resembles the visual appearance of “decorations” on the king’s shoulders, hence the name Epaulette Mate.
Epaulette Mate Example #2
Diagram above: If you know the basic Epaulette Mate pattern (as seen in the first example), then it will help you find the moves 1.Rxh5+ gxh5 2.Qf5#
Why Is It Called the Epaulette Mate?
The Epaulette Mate gets its name from the decorative shoulder piece that is sometimes worn on an item of clothing, especially on the coat or jacket of a military uniform.
The pieces on either side of the king visually resembles an epaulette on the king’s shoulders.