Three ways out of check is lesson 2 of 3 in Safe pieces: protect, escape and check, a basics course suited to players rated around 320 (complete beginners). When your king is in check, you must get out at once. There are only three ways, and choosing well can save a piece. It has 4 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles, 1 board-square exercise. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
The rook on e8 gives check. There are three ways out. Move the king to a safe square. Capture the piece that gives check. Or put a piece in between. Look at all three, and pick the one that loses nothing.
What you practise
Where can your king go? Tap every square it can step to without being in check.
Now get out of check. Your bishop could block on e3, but would that be safe?
Check from the knight. A knight check can never be blocked. So either move the king, or capture the knight. Which is better here?
Check along the first rank, and your king cannot move: its own pawns are in the way. Block the check. Choose the square where your blocking piece is protected.
Worked examples
Where can your king go? Tap every square it can step to without being in check. Yes. Every square next to the king is safe, except e2, which is still on the rook's file.
Now get out of check. Your bishop could block on e3, but would that be safe? Good. Blocking was a trap: the rook takes the bishop and gives check again. Here the king step loses nothing.
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