Chess players no longer require saying ‘Check!’ after attacking an opponent’s king; this was once mandatory but became optional during the early 20th century.
Announcinng checks is often perceived as annoying or rude behavior. Instead, reasonable claims such as calling an arbiter or offering a draw should be made instead.
It’s not required
Although not necessary in chess, saying “check” politely will inform your opponent that their king is under attack and can help avoid an early end to the game by notifying him or her that an attack has begun on it. Also, saying so gives players time to prepare a defensive strategy or block an impending check by blocking or capturing pieces prior to losing their own kings.
If the player fails to avoid or block a check, their king is checkedmate and the game ends. This is one of the most reliable ways of winning at chess; additionally, it represents one of the highest forms of victory as it involves seizing their opponent’s king and ending it quickly and definitively. Therefore, understanding check and its delivery before beginning serious chess play is imperative.
Announcing checks isn’t required by USCF or FIDE rules, though it can be a common practice in casual games. Tournament play prohibits this practice as it could become distracting to both opponents and other nearby players and cause even greater nervousness among opponents who must now think more strategically on how to escape checkmate.
An announcement of check can cause your opponent to make an illegal move, leading to a penalty for yourself if a clock is being used (reversing the move taken back and adding two minutes to player clock). This can significantly impede game flow and result in loss.
Announcement of check can also be considered rude as it can distract your opponent and other players nearby, and may even appear as an attempt at irritating him/her which goes against the rules of chess. Announcing check is also not essential in serious games – many advanced level players do not even do it!
It’s not illegal
Chess requires players to abide by certain rules, one being that if one player places their king into check, their opposing player must notify them as quickly as possible as failure to recognize this fact could put the game in jeopardy – therefore it’s crucial that chess players say “check”.
However, announcing a check in chess is not illegal but typically avoided during tournament chess as this may distract opponents and prevent them from having the best opportunity to win the game. Furthermore, it could potentially disrupt other players nearby and disturb other people nearby who hear your announcement of check.
Announcements of checks may not be mandatory, but are customary nonetheless. If you decide to do so, though, be mindful of how your opponent might react. In many instances they won’t understand that you’re suggesting they have just checked or might think you are being rude by saying so.
An additional reason that announcing check is legal is because it is considered good sportsmanship to notify other players of its threat – particularly during casual games among people unfamiliar with the game and its rules. Furthermore, this helps stop one player from moving into check and losing the game altogether.
As well as announcing check, players should remain cognizant of which pieces have been passed to them and where they are situated on the board. As passed pawns increase in value as they travel down the board, these should be moved into positions where they will capture enemy pieces more effectively. Furthermore, it should be remembered that it is illegal to castle into positions in which your king is in check – something which should always be avoided!
Players should avoid making unnecessary noise during a game of chess. Be it to indicate a check or mate, making noise can distract the other players and lessen the enjoyment of the game; additionally, using offensive language or disrupting it with any form of physical violence are forbidden by rules.
It’s not rude
There is no rule in chess requiring you to say check when attacking an opponent’s king, but it is considered polite etiquette to do so if possible and especially important when your opponent is new to the game; doing so may help them keep an eye out for any impending attacks and prevent mistakes that cost them victory.
An announcement of check is an effective way of alerting your opponent that their king may be at risk. Remembering that only pieces located adjacent to the edge can capture it is key as many times players get distracted with their own moves and overlook any threats to their king’s safety.
Informal scholastic tournaments often call for players to announce their attacks against an opponent’s king as a form of courtesies, so as to warn their opponent about potential capture opportunities and make them more cautious with their next moves. In serious tournament play however, this form of communication should not occur; only “check” should be said.
Though saying check is not required in a chess game, beginners would benefit from practicing this courtesy when playing their first few rounds with friends or acquaintances. If unsure what words should be spoken out loud during play, simply ask your opponent what their preferred phrase would be.
It’s never considered rude to suggest “check” in chess if you are uncertain of your opponent’s moves; better to let them know their king is in danger than risk doing something that could jeopardise the game altogether. Additionally, avoid speaking during gameplay unless necessary (ie calling an arbiter/offering a draw).
If you are playing a rated game, it is best to avoid saying check as it can be both distracting and annoying, disrupting their thinking process and possibly breaking any applicable rules (ie: calling an arbiter or offering a draw).
It’s not disrespectful
Chess players have the choice of whether or not they wish to announce when an opponent’s king is in check, though doing so would be considered good sportsmanship and is not required by game rules. If your opponent fails to realize they need to move their king out of danger quickly enough and doesn’t make moves to remove theirs out, the game could end in checkmate – hence many don’t say “check”.
Remember that the king is the most vulnerable piece in the game; any piece on the board can capture it, making its protection essential. When playing with less experienced opponents, it may help to say “check” before moving your piece – this can prevent confusion about what is occurring and will ensure no miscommunication between participants.
Some consider it rude to announce when their king has checked, while others view it as proper etiquette. Tournament players might feel it unnecessary as they should be able to see when the check has occurred; others, however, were brought up saying “check” as part of good manners.
If you’re participating in a tournament, it is usually wise to refrain from saying “checkmate.” Tournament rules prohibit speaking during the game and doing so can distract your opponent. But in casual play with friends it is fine to say “checkmate” when necessary.
Chess kings are always at risk of capture, and in order to defend them the defender must ensure that his or her king isn’t in check and any pieces can’t put it there. Any illegal move by either player that touches an already checked king adds two minutes onto their clock timer, which may be extremely disconcerting for newcomers to the game.
