Check
Check: A direct attack on the king that must be answered immediately by a legal move.
In-Depth Explanation
A check can be answered by moving the king, capturing the checking piece, or blocking the attack when the checker is a line piece. A player may not ignore check or move into check. Unlike checkmate, check does not end the game because at least one legal defense exists.
Related Rules Terms
En Passant
A special pawn capture rule in chess that occurs immediately after a player moves a pawn two squares forward.
Stalemate
A situation where the player to move is not in check but has no legal moves.
Castling
A special move involving the king and a rook, used to improve king safety and activate the rook.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A direct attack on the king that must be answered immediately by a legal move.
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