Do you have to say checkmate in order to win?

Question

If I don't realize it's checkmate and only say 'check', I've been told that's an automatic loss. Is that true?

Answer 1

Yes

Answer 2

Saying check mate to an experienced player might be construed as patronising

Answer 3

"Mate?" is a gentler way, implying you are not sure and that you've won by a fluke. A little more charming.

Answer 4

No you do not.

Answer 5

No, thats just bad sports manship thats like going game interupted void if some one is loosing you'll see he cant move and there for it is checkmate

Answer 6

No. Your opponent would still have to make a move, which is not possible if they are in "checkmate"

Answer 7

Yes, it's a very polite way of saying you have lost, old boy.

Answer 8

Na i don't think so because if you don't see that you have just check mated your opponent he is bound to find out that he cant move

Answer 9

No you don't have to say checkmate. I can't remember ever saying checkmate once in 30yrs of playing competitive chess.

Saying check is politeness. To alert your about that he/she is forced to make a response.  Checkmate is so obvious, players normally, knock their kings over to resign, hold out their hands to shake and say thankyou for the game.

In lightning chess, you can take the opponents king even when you haven't checkmated them.

Answer 10

Nope.  Checkmate is checkmate whether it is announced or not.

Answer 11

"Checkmate, ******!" might be a better way to go. It pays to be clear and direct.

Answer 12

You don't have to call checkmate as you're opponent is unable to move, in a lot of competitions if i mated my opponent i just held out my hand instead of saying checkmate, it's completely different than just putting someone in check.

Answer 13

You can laugh derisively and call your opponent a fool but you might get punched out.