When you put the opponent in checkmate, you win the game.  When the opponent puts you in checkmate, you lose the game.  The game ends with checkmate. 

There is another way for you to win the game, though, and that is when the opponent gives up or resigns.  It may not be checkmate yet, but the opponent may think he has no chance to win the game, or even to get a draw.  He wants to quit right away, before the checkmate comes.

There are three ways to attack the king.  It is very important to know all three ways, and the differences between them.

1)  Check: When the king is under attack by one of the opponent’s pieces, the king is in check.  When your king is in check, you must get out of check.  You are never allowed to make a move that leaves your king in check.  You are also never allowed to make a move that puts your king in check.  It is against the rules.  This also means that the king can never be captured, because it can never be left under attack.

Imagine that you’re at your first chess tournament. The room is silent, except for the quiet breathing of the people around you. You study the sixty-four checkered squares in front of you. Glancing over at the chess clock you see you have plenty of time left in your game.

A move cries out to be made, but you bide your time and check for others. You know that a move made in haste could cost you dearly. After all, you’ve invested two hours in this game already. Finally, confident that your initial idea is sound, you reach out a hand and grasp your knight, hopping it to its intended destination. There is a gasp from behind you.