Check

The object of the game of chess is to attack the enemy King and try to trap him. Anytime that one of your player movements can capture a King on your next move it is called "Check". Neither chessplayer may ignore check, move into check, or pass on a move. The game cannot move on until the check is dealt with. There are three defenses to try if a King is in a check.

FIGHT

Usually, the best way to escape a check is to fight! In this example the King can only capture the Rook that is giving him check. It is the only single move that is allowed in this position. The white Pawn is attacking the square above him leaving nowhere else to move the King.

The black King must take the Rook. Fight!

FENCE

Another defense from check is to fence! Sometimes you will use a bodyguard for the King. Building a fence is the most common way to escape a check. In this example the Queen is the only piece that can move and she must build a fence. Whites Bishop is controlling important squares.

The black Queen must block for the king. Fence!

FLEE

When all else fails, flee! Run away like a chicken if it is the only defense. A secret you should know is that the Knight cannot be fenced. He is a very dangerous checking piece. In this example the only escape is to flee because we cannot fight or fence the attack.

The black King must run away. Flee!