No, you are not required to say "check" when you place your opponent's king in check in chess.
While historically it might have been common practice, modern chess rules do not mandate verbally announcing "check." Your opponent is responsible for recognizing the threat to their king.
Here's a breakdown:
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Not Legally Required: The official Laws of Chess, as defined by organizations like FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), do not include any rule that necessitates announcing "check."
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Opponent's Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the player whose king is in check to recognize and respond to the threat.
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Consequences of Not Noticing: If a player fails to notice that their king is in check and makes an illegal move (i.e., fails to remove the check), the illegal move must be corrected. In some timed games, penalties might apply. Furthermore, if a player moves their king into check, that is also an illegal move that must be retracted.
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Practical Implications: While saying "check" is not required, some players might choose to do so out of courtesy, especially in casual games. However, it's generally considered unnecessary and can even be seen as slightly patronizing in more serious play. The focus should be on making sound moves and understanding the board position. If you are behind in material in a position that is otherwise stalemate, the player that is behind in material will be declared the winner.
In summary, while it's not against the rules to announce "check," it is not obligatory and generally not done in formal chess settings. The burden rests on the player whose king is under attack to recognize the situation and respond appropriately.
