The game ends when one of the players captures his opponent's king, when one of the player's resigns or there is a stalemate. By capture it is meant that there is no possible way to move the king where it will not be taken by an opponents piece within the next move.

When a player's king is threatened by an opposing piece, it is said to be 'in check'. When a player places the opposing king in check he should anounce, 'check'. The object of a player is not merely to place his opponent's king in check but to make certain that every square where the king has a possibility of movement is also covered. This is called checkmate. The king is considered captured.

Either player may resign at any time. This generally happens when a player loses a major piece and the outlook for victory in his case appears bleak.