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Chess/Failed to call checkmate

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Expert: - 11/15/2009


Question
I put my opponent in check and later realised that in fact it was checkmate. My opponent argued that becuase I did not call checkmate the game is void or drawn. Is he correct?

Answer
Hi Nej,

Checkmate means the game is over no matter what and you're not required to say anything.  In tournament play a player usually resigns before it comes to this, but for those that don't - the winning side often says nothing.  You won the game.

Regards,

Len

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Len Molden

Expertise

Questions about specific chess openings and advice about which opening repertoire is suited to a particular style. For example, the Sicilian Defense is suited to aggressive players, while the Caro Kann Defense appeals to defensive players.

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I've been studying chess since I was 12. Apart from a vast library of specialized chess opening books, I also have a huge database collection of games.

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University, College

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I've been playing in chess tournaments in the United States and Canada since 1972. I've won many tournaments in both countries and I'm ranked as a Canadian Expert. I've also written articles for chess magazines and one of my best victories ever is featured here:

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