Do you lose if you put yourself in check?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

You do not automatically lose if you put yourself in check. However, putting yourself in check is considered an illegal move in chess. It means that you have made a move that allows your opponent to capture your king on their next turn.

In tournament play or formal games, making an illegal move such as putting yourself in check can have consequences. The most common consequence is that you are required to take back the illegal move and make a legal move instead. This is known as the “touch-move” rule, which means that once you touch a piece, you must move it legally if possible.

For example, if you accidentally move a piece that puts your own king in check, you would have to take back that move and choose a different move that does not put your king in danger. This could be moving a different piece or adjusting the position of the piece you initially moved.

It is important to note that intentionally putting yourself in check is not allowed and can be considered unsportsmanlike behavior. Players are expected to make legal moves that follow the rules of the game and strive to win on their own merit, rather than relying on mistakes or loopholes.

Putting yourself in check is generally considered a blunder or a mistake, as it can put you at a significant disadvantage in the game. It gives your opponent an opportunity to capture your king or gain a strategic advantage.

In casual games or friendly matches, the consequences of putting yourself in check may vary. Some players may choose to allow you to take back the move and make a legal move instead, while others may insist on playing by the rules strictly.

To avoid putting yourself in check, it is important to carefully consider your moves and analyze the potential consequences before making a move. This requires thinking ahead and considering the possible responses of your opponent. It is always beneficial to have a clear understanding of the rules and strategies of chess to avoid making such mistakes.

Putting yourself in check is an illegal move in chess. While you do not automatically lose the game for doing so, you are required to take back the move and make a legal move instead. It is important to play by the rules and strive to make strategic moves that will lead to victory.