Chapter 03 · Beginner · 3 min
What is check?
Check means the king is under attack. You cannot politely ignore it; the next move must solve the problem.
Explanation
A failure is an immediate alert to the king.
When your king is attacked, you are in check. You have no right to play a move that ignores the problem. Even if you see a magnificent attack elsewhere, the king comes first. A bit like a fire alarm: you don't finish your coffee in peace.
To recognize a failure, look at which opposing pieces are attacking your king's square. A rook attacks in a straight line, a bishop diagonally, a queen in both directions, a knight in L, a pawn diagonally, and the king around him.
To remember
Failure means your king is attacked. You need to fix this immediately.
Classic error
Respond with an attack elsewhere while your king is still in danger.
Player Tip
When you are in check, search in order: move the king, capture the attacker, block the line.