Checkmate is when a king is in check and has no legal way to escape, ending the game immediately. The attacked king cannot move to safety, no piece can block the attack, and the checking piece cannot be captured. Delivering checkmate is the goal of chess — you do not actually capture the king, you simply trap it. Even a player far behind in material wins instantly if they can force checkmate. Beginners often chase checks aimlessly; instead, coordinate several pieces to remove the king's escape squares first, then deliver the final blow.