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In chess, a "helpmate" is a type of chess problem where Black moves first and cooperates with White to achieve a checkmate in a specified number of moves. This is considered a form of "fairy chess," which involves unusual stipulations or nonstandard rules and pieces.1

The term "helpmate" can also refer to a person who assists a more skilled individual, or a female partner in a marriage.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. helpmate
  2. chess - Heterodox problems

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