When you Check Someone, Do You Have to Say “Check”?


When you check someone, do you have to say “Check” in the game of Chess? This confuses many people. But the short answer is No.


When you put your opponent into a position of check-in Chess, it does not really matter if you say “check” out aloud. If your opponent is unable to bring his King out of check, then it is checkmate. So really, there is not much of a difference whether you call out “check” or not.

Can you win Chess without saying “Check!” out aloud?


Yes, you can. If your opponent is in check, then he is. Your opponent will not need you to tell him that it’s a check. He will be able to recognize his defeat if he is unable to move his King out of check.


Beginners in Chess often tend to say “check” out aloud when putting their opposing King in check. This does add a bit of fun element to playing Chess. But it’s not mandatory, and some professional players may also consider it redundant to do so.


Chess is a lot different from many other board games. It’s not like a game of ‘snap’ or ‘bingo’ where you shout out a word at the end to prove that you won.


Chess is a very refined board game that has unique laws and regulations. It’s not merely played for fun. Chess is a profession to many. So when playing Chess, there should be a sense of politeness and respect for other players.

What is Chess Resignation?


A game of Chess can have many different endings.

When you Check Someone, Do You Have to Say “Check”


You can either win the game by putting your opponent’s King in check or vice versa.
When a player’s situation seems hopeless, he may choose to resign or voluntarily give up the game before getting into check. This is called chess resignation.


Chess resignation is more common among professional chess players. They would prefer to resign based on the hopelessness of their situation rather than facing a check.


But often, lower-level chess players tend to cling to the end even if they realize that they are in a losing position. They tend to hang on to some last hope or chance that might turn the tables and help them win.

How to avoid a check in Chess?


Being put in check in a casual game of Chess is pretty harmless and can help you improve your tactics. But generally, being put into check is an uncomfortable situation. You might want to do everything you can to avoid this situation in a game of Chess.


You would also want to avoid being forced into a check because that could weaken your position and limit your play. Always ask yourself-will I put myself in danger if I make this move? Will it make it my opponent easier to put me in check?


If you are left with only one move, and that would lead to a check, then this is called a forced move. You would want to avoid a forced move at all costs.

Ways to win without a Checkmate


There are many ways to win a game of Chess other than through checkmate. You can win a game if your opponent resigns. You can win if your opponent runs out of time. And you can also win a game of Chess if your opponent makes an illegal move.

When you Check Someone, Do You Have to Say “Check”: Conclusion


So when you win a game of Chess, there is no need for you to call out “Check.” It’s not illegal to do so, but it’s not required either. Saying “check” or not will change the fact that the opponent’s King is in check. If he can’t make any move to get himself out of check, then it is established that you have won the game.

Also read: What is the stalemate rule in chess? and how to avoid it.

*All pics are taken from Unsplash.com

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