3. Check, mate and stalemate

What you will learn

1. 01

   Check: move the king

   First steps · 3 min

   The rook on e8 attacks the king on e1 along column e: this is check. You must remove the check this turn.

2. 02

   Check: block the line

   First steps · 3 min

   You can also stop a rook, bishop or queen check by putting a piece in its path if there is room. You cannot block a knight check.

3. 03

   Check: capture the attacker

   First steps · 3 min

   The rook on e2 gives check. Your king can capture it because no black piece defends e2.

4. 04

   Mate: the king cannot escape

   First steps · 3 min

   Checkmate means the king is in check and no legal reply removes it. A queen can deliver the check supported by its king.

5. 05

   Do not confuse stalemate and mate

   First steps · 3 min

   If the opponent has no legal moves but their king is NOT in check, it is stalemate: a draw. Here queen to g6 would leave the black king without moves but not in check.