Expert: Louis Lima - 10/16/2006

Question
If your kings in check and you dont move your king you move another piece is that still checkmate.
from kate

Answer
Dear Kate,

If you are playing chess and not using a chess clock, then it would be illegal to make a move that does not get the King out of check. If you check your opponent, he must do something about it on his move. He must either move the King away from the check, or block the check - but he cannot make any other move because that would be considered illegal and against the rules of chess.

This is also true if you are using a chess clock and setting slow time controls (e.g. 1.5hrs for the first 40 moves, 1hr for the remainder moves).

However, if you are using a chess clock and playing "Blitz Chess" (e.g. 5 minutes on each side), then the rules are different. You do not need to announce that you have checked your opponent, he must realize it on his own. If your opponent does not notice the check and makes another move, you can take his/her King on the next move and win the game. In the same manner, if your opponent makes a move that puts his/her own King in check, then you can capture the King and win the game. But these rules only apply to Blitz chess.

I hope this explains it. If you have further questions on this subject feel free to contact me at TenderDragon@Optonline.Net or post another message here.

Warmly,
Louis Lima