Swallow’s Tail Mate is a checkmate pattern that visually resembles the appearance of a swallow’s tail. It’s also known as Gueridon’s Checkmate. Its appearance it’s very similar to the Epaulette Mate.
Swallow’s Tail Mate Example 1
Diagram above: The Swallow’s Tail Mate is an example of a checkmate pattern that is named after its visual appearance. The two black pawns behind the king, which also prevents the king from escaping, visually resemble a “swallow’s tail”.
Swallow’s Tail Mate Example 2
The legendary Bobby Fischer won a game in a simultaneous exhibition event against Mike Mcdermott, New York, 1964, using this checkmate pattern:
Diagram above: Fischer played 1.Qg6+ with checkmate coming on the next move.
Black resigned after Fischer played 1.Qg6. The diagram below shows the two ways the game could end:
Interesting Note on the Swallow’s Tail Mate
The Dovetail Mate, another checkmate pattern named after the visual appearance of a bird’s tail, is also known as Cozio’s Mate.