How Do Chess Pieces Move?

Guide Note: Before you can start playing chess, you will need to know how the different pieces on the board are allowed to move. This guide will show you the possible moves that each of the pieces can make. Table of Contents:*How to Move:*Pawn*Knight*Rook*Bishop*Queen*King

• Also try: How to Play Chess
  

Introduction

• Playing the game of chess can be a fun and challenging way to stimulate your brain and improve your problem-solving abilities. Unfortunately, beginning players are often daunted by the fact that each of the pieces can only move in a specifically defined set of ways, and that they will need to learn them in order to play. But don't let this stop you from enjoying one of the greatest games ever invented. With a little instruction (and a few games under your belt), you'll have no problem recognizing how each of the pieces moves. Read on for a detailed description of how each of the pieces on the chess board can move, and how you can use them to defeat your opponent.

Creative Commons photo by Alan Light

Pawn

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  Pawn Moves
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  Pawn

1. On their first move, each Pawn can be moved one or two squares forward. After that, they are only allowed to to move one square forward at a time.
2. Pawns can only capture an opponent diagonally, although they cannot move diagonally unless they are doing so.
3. Pawns cannot move backwards.

Knight

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  Knight Moves
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  Knight

1. On each move, the Knight can be moved two spaces in any direction (except diagonally), and then one space perpendicular to the first move.
2. The Knight is the only piece on the board that can jump over other pieces during its move.
3. The Knight will always end up on an opposite colored square from where it started.

Rook

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  Rook Moves
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  Rook

1. The Rook can be moved as many spaces as you want in any direction (except diagonal).
2. The Rook can move as far in one direction as the board will allow, or as short as one square away from its original position.
3. If the Rook is taking another piece, it must stop on the square that the piece occupied.

Bishop

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  Bishop Moves
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  Bishop

1. The Bishop can be moved diagonally as many spaces as you want. It cannot move in a straight line.
2. Due to their movement abilities, Bishops will always end up on the same colored square (either light or dark) that they started the game on.
3. The Bishop can move as far in one diagonal direction as the board will allow, or as short as one square away from its original position.

Queen

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  Queen Moves
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  Queen

1. The Queen can be moved as many spaces as you want in any direction (including diagonal). It is usually considered to be the most powerful piece on the board.
2. The Queen can move as far in any direction as the board will allow, or as short as one square away from its original position.
3. If the Queen is taking another piece, it must stop on the square that the piece occupied.

King

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  King Moves
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  King

1. The King can be moved one space in any direction.
2. The King cannot be moved to a square that will cause him to be in check.

Conclusion

• Although knowing how each piece moves is merely the first step in learning How to Play Chess, it is certainly one of the most important. So take your time and make sure that you understand the role that each of the pieces play in the game. That way, when the situation arises, you will know all of the possible moves that are available to you at any given time. And as with anything, repetition is the key to learning. So make sure that you play as much as possible. Eventually you will be able to look at the board and know exactly where each piece can move. That is when you'll start to really enjoy playing chess!

Resources

• Chess Circle: How do Chess Pieces Move
• Chess Dryad: Pawn | Knight | Bishop | Rook | King | Queen
• SoYouWanna.com: Know How Chess Pieces Move
• Useful Chess: Chess Rules for Beginners

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