How to defend to Scholars Mate: Qh5

Introduction

Hey guys! Today we will be learning about the Scholars mate.

It is one of the most common finishes to a game. Most players have fallen for it every once in while. But do not fear. There are 3 ways to get out of the checkmate, which could leave white out of position. So let’s get started!

Qe7

Qe7 is a very strong defense as if the Queen takes the pawn on e5, trying to checkmate, then the Queen can take. But the Bishop can take right? Yes. But, the Bishop can take it back. So they would be up by a bishop. It also defends the f7 and e5 pawns and develops the Queen. 

g6

This is the most sensible move to defend and it frees the g7 square, so black can fianchetto the bishop to make a solid structure on the kingside and makes a very long diagonal for the dark squared bishop. It also help Black castle as the Bishop is out of the way. But most of all, it attacks the Queen, or wins a tempo.