ChessschoolThree-Check chess – win with your third check
Even a check that is easy to meet can decide the game.
How does this variant work?
Use the normal rules and starting position. Keep a separate tally of each player’s checking moves. Double check counts as one move giving check. The first legal third check wins. Ordinary checkmate also wins.
What should you look for in your first game?
Has your opponent delivered two checks? Before moving, look for any checking reply. Even a check that your king could easily escape would end the game.
Try it yourself
Does 1. Ra8+ win even if Black has an escape square?
Show the answer
Yes. The rook on a8 checks the king on e8. This is the third check, so White wins immediately.
An easy rule to overlook
Both players’ counters begin at zero. Checks need not come in consecutive moves. If you have given two checks and then play a quiet move, your count remains two.
Keep practising
Read the full rules · Read the related chess guide · See all variants