Check: a practical example
A check may be answered by moving the king, capturing the checking piece, or blocking the attack when the checking line allows it. A knight's check cannot be blocked because the knight jumps; its attack must be removed in another way.
How to use the idea in your games
Do not continue an unrelated plan while in check. List every legal response, including captures by pieces other than the king, before assuming a position is lost.
A useful study question
Can you explain check in your own words, identify it in a position, and describe when the idea does not apply? Test the explanation on a legal board before relying on it.
Connect the ideas
Checkmate, Double check, King are useful next concepts. Follow the links to compare definitions and examples, then return to the complete chess glossary whenever an unfamiliar term appears.
Sources & further reading
References checked September 5, 2026. Linked services are independent of ChessRankings.com™.