In chess when I am able to capture my opponent's piece is it required that I must capture the piece?

Question

Also, must I capture the piece even if it will lead to my piece being captured in the next move?

Answer 1

No not a must at all.

Answer 2

you do not have to capture the piece if you don't want to.

also if your playing an opponent which is better than you and you find your in a position where you can take his/her piece, beware because they probably count on you taking it so they can take advantage of one of your other pieces. look at the queen or the king. they are a chess players target's in a game.

Answer 3

Try not to play cause and effect chess...Your opponent is expecting the most likely capture/recapture actions. Most of the time, with skilled players, an exchange is mutually expected - due to necessity. A lot of times, the recapture is almost necessary to keep a balance of power.The best thing is to try to expect your opponents moves for such a thing. Be prepared and have a plan if you see such a normal exchange coming up. Most of the time you just have to accept it. But if you have something else going on with your pieces, you can sometimes throw in a little surprise. Try to threaten one of your opponents pieces instead, or if possible, ignore the loss(usually very surprising to your opponent- just be careful about what you give away!) and make a strong move developing another of your pieces. Always remember that your opponent has a plan for a few moves down the line. Most of the time, they have calculated it out logically. If you have any good way of throwing out a way to change the obvious, do it!!!  It may ruin every move they have made up to that point, and send them back to trying to find a new plan. You just have to weigh it out and know when is a good time to be brave and take a risky move. Just playing into your opponents expectations is not good.

Answer 4

No. That rule applied to checkers, not chess. Strategy is the core of chess. Don't be suckered into taking a piece. Your opponent may just want your piece out of the way.

Answer 5

No, only if you want to.

Answer 6

No. I can checkmate you even if I don't capture any of your pieces.

Answer 7

No, that's Checkers

Answer 8

no its all your opitin

Answer 9

Typically you won't have to but once in awhile you wont have a choice in the matter and will be forced to capture a piece...not very common though.

Answer 10

In general, no, unless your king is in check and the only way to remove that check is to capture your opponent's piece.