The game continues; saying "check" is not required, and failing to announce it has consequences for you if you miss it.
The Role of "Check" in Chess
While it's common to hear players say "check" when their opponent's king is under attack, it's actually not a formal rule of chess. The onus is on both players to be aware of the board state at all times.
Consequences of Not Saying "Check" (or Not Noticing It)
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Your Opponent May Capture Your King: If you fail to announce "check" and your opponent doesn't realize their king is in check, they are still allowed to make a move. If you then fail to notice that your opponent's move leaves their king vulnerable, you are allowed to capture it. Capturing the opposing king immediately ends the game in your favor.
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You Can Still Lose if You Move Into Check: Similarly, if you move your king into check, or make a move that leaves your king in check, you've made an illegal move. While you might be able to retract the move, if this goes unnoticed (or is not addressed according to the rules of the specific tournament or game being played), your king is then subject to capture and you lose the game.
Key Takeaways
- Saying "check" is a courtesy, not a rule.
- You are responsible for recognizing threats to your king and for avoiding illegal moves that put your king in danger.
- The game can end immediately if a king is captured, regardless of whether "check" was announced.
