What check means, the three ways out of it, how a game is won by checkmate, and the stalemate trap that turns a win into a draw. This is a basics course with 4 lessons and 10 interactive exercises, suited to players rated around 300 (complete beginners). Every exercise is played on a real board with feedback after each move, there is nothing to install, and it is free.
Getting out of check – There are three ways out of check: move the king, capture the attacker, or block the attack.
Checkmate – Checkmate is check with no way out. It ends the game: whoever gives checkmate wins.
Stalemate – Stalemate is a draw: the player to move is NOT in check but has no legal move.
Next steps
Capturing pieces – How to take enemy pieces with each of yours, how to spot a free piece, and why you should not grab a protected one with your queen.
Safe pieces: protect, escape and check – Short drills for your first games. What to do when a piece is attacked, and how to spot a piece left hanging. The three ways out of check. And how to give a check without losing the checking piece.
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