Check
Check is when your piece attacks the enemy king. My favourite moment: you announce check — and the opponent's whole plan goes in the bin, because a check MUST be answered immediately. There are exactly three ways: move the king away, block with your own piece, or capture the attacker. Ignoring a check isn't allowed — the rules won't let you. And beginners always panic and yank the king around, when often it's easier to just eat the insolent piece.
Time for my star turn! Your rook is on a1, the black king is on e8, on the eighth rank. Race your rook to the eighth rank — and the king ends up in its line of fire. That's check: an attack the opponent has to escape from right now.
Check! Hear the king getting nervous? Music to my battlements.
Now check has been given to YOU: the black rook on e2 is blasting straight at your king. No panic — remember the three defences: run, block, capture. There's nothing to block with here, but take a good look at the intruder: she's come right up close and stands completely undefended. Beginners flee with the king in a panic — strong players first check whether they can simply eat the attacker.
The king is safe! That's how you greet uninvited guests.
This is a preview — the full interactive lesson is in the app.
Free, no ads · Android 8.0+ · coming soon to Google Play