Get to know the chess pieces and uncover the strategy behind every move. Chess is more than just a game—it’s a battle of minds where each piece has a unique role to play. Whether you’re a beginner or just brushing up, understanding how each piece moves is key to mastering the board. Let’s break it down piece by piece.
Rook
The rook moves in straight lines across the board—either vertically or horizontally. It’s a powerful piece that works best in open spaces and plays a major role in controlling files and ranks.
Bishop
The bishop travels diagonally, allowing it to control long lines across the board. Each bishop stays on one color square for the entire game—light or dark.
Queen
The most powerful piece on the board, the queen combines the abilities of both the rook and bishop. She can move in any direction: vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
Pawn
Pawns may look simple, but they are the soul of chess. They move forward one square (two on their first move) and capture diagonally. With patience and strategy, a pawn can even become a queen.
Knight
Knights move in an “L” shape: two squares in one direction, then one square perpendicular. They’re the only pieces that can jump over others, making them great for surprising your opponent.
King
The king is the heart of the game. He moves one square in any direction. Protecting your king while threatening your opponent’s is the ultimate goal of chess.
