xstas

Yes, but it's not that easy. Pieces still make threats according to their movement rules, whether through time or space.

For example, if your king moves from its square and an enemy rook attacks its starting position (rooks can move any number of squares in any one direction), then it's mate unless you can take the rook. However, if in the intervening time, another piece lands on the same spot, then it will block subsequent rook checks through time on that square.

I'd say you need to be comfortable with how the rules of chess work, but you don't need to be a chess player. The time travel rules even out the playing field for amateurs who play against actual chess players.