this is good to know. I never knew.
Is it rude to announce "Check" in OTB chess?

I was taught that it is only proper to say check, except in speed chess. I've never played a serious tournament, though.

So, is it okay for a player to announce "check" when he makes a move that puts the opponent in check, or is it considered rude?
I would consider it rude if you burped it out while I was crunching away at my snacks. Otherwise nah.

I think we can summarize this post by saying "it depends". If you're playing with people beyond a beginner level, you can keep the checks to a minimum, usually only if they seem to not notice. In tournaments, don't say it at all. And in a friendly game, say it whenever you want (as long as it's not excessive or your opponent tells you to shut up).

I think we can summarize this post by saying "it depends". If you're playing with people beyond a beginner level, you can keep the checks to a minimum, usually only if they seem to not notice. In tournaments, don't say it at all. And in a friendly game, say it whenever you want (as long as it's not excessive or your opponent tells you to shut up).
I completely agree with that. Although, usually in my casual games when "check" is announced, it is often accompanied by a little humorous trash talking throughout.

I think we can summarize this post by saying "it depends". If you're playing with people beyond a beginner level, you can keep the checks to a minimum, usually only if they seem to not notice. In tournaments, don't say it at all. And in a friendly game, say it whenever you want (as long as it's not excessive or your opponent tells you to shut up).

I sometimes play otb in some pretty rough neighborhoods and it's common to hear: Check yo self befo you wreck yo self! I find it rather pleasing! Just don't mess with my 40 oz. malt Liquor and we cool!

AND since were on the topic of Rudeness. Check out this RUDE welcome by a titled player
RUDE welcome by titled player https://www.chess.com/forum/view/off-topic/rude-welcome-on-chessom-team

I would announce a check on board and I would prefer it if my opponent announced check as well. Its not as if I or my opponent can't spot a check. It just seems better to clearly spell it out that its check by the side which is checking.

I do not announce check. If my opponent does not see it and tries to make an illegal move, I tap the checking piece and point to his King. This spares the beginner more dignity than verbally announcing "check" so that his inexperience is made known to all who hears.
If check is announced to me, I take no offense.
You are a class act Sir.

Spelling out check might be better if there is some audience watching the game. Not all the in the audience might be able to spot the check for whatever reason.


egoole, why is a perpetual check rude? RUKMRN?
It's rude tho' not against the rules..... Kind of bad sportsmanship thingy... Yap., it is a tactics mostly used by people in a sure losing position... I mean no body would perpetually check his opponent when he has a mate in 3 or three passed pawns.... Losers just use it hoping you would either run out of time or claim a draw .... What's even more rude which I implied in my previous post is announcing check everytime you perpetually check your opponent.... 😊

egoole, why is a perpetual check rude? RUKMRN?
It's rude tho' not against the rules..... Kind of bad sportsmanship thingy... Yap., it is a tactics mostly used by people in a sure losing position... I mean no body would perpetually check his opponent when he has a mate in 3 or three passed pawns.... Losers just use it hoping you would either run out of time or claim a draw
Perpetual check is a method any player can use to obtain a draw by threefold repetition if his opponent is careless.
It is not rude, neither is it used by players in a "sure losing position". If the player was in a losing position he would not be able to draw would he ?
It drives me crazy when someone says check.. so yeah