Contents: Index General Rules Setup Pawns Rooks Knights

Contents: Bishops Queens Kings Castling Pawn en Passant End Game

- Chess Rules Store Get a quality chess set, great for beginners! Standard size for tournaments. Vinyl Roll up map with algebraic notation to help beginners follow moves! Download a freeware chess game! This is not a glitzy version but the artificial intelligence is competitive. Read a children's story about chess: The Little Pawn E-mail

What if I forget to say check? Q: What if my opponent puts my king in check and does not say "check"? A: If your opponent places your king in check and then forgets to say check, he is in no way penalized. Saying "check" or "check-mate" is really just a courtesy in chess. It is a way to tell the opponent that he is in danger and must look to his king. It is especially useful in games between beginners because it helps to keep focus on the game. However, if someone does not notice that his or her piece is in check and try to move something that does not get the king out of check, the person should be reminded that the king may NOT be left exposed to attack. Believe it or not some players take it as an insult if the opponent says "check" because it implies that the player is not paying attention. In a friendly game it is polite. In a trash-talking scenario, it can also be used to good effect. However, neither you or I would talk trash to an opponent. Would we? Return to Chess FAQs Page