Guide

Chess pieces: names, moves and values

How each of the six pieces moves, what it is worth and how many you get.

The six chess pieces at a glance

PieceMovesValueEach side has
KingOne square in any directionpriceless1
QueenAny distance in any straight line or diagonal91
RookAny distance along a row or column52
BishopAny distance diagonally32
KnightAn L: two squares one way, one square sideways; jumps32
PawnForward one square (two on its first move), captures diagonally18

The values are a rule of thumb for trades: a rook (5) is worth about a bishop plus two pawns, and the queen (9) about two rooks.

8
7
6
5
4
White king on d4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Where the king on the dotted squares can go.

The king

The king moves one square in any direction. It can never move into check. Protect it: when your king is attacked and cannot escape, that is checkmate and the game is over.

Once per game the king can castle with a rook: see castling.

8
7
6
5
4
White queen on d4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Where the queen on the dotted squares can go.

The queen 9 points

The queen is the strongest piece: she moves any number of squares in a straight line or diagonal, like a rook and bishop together. She cannot jump over pieces.

8
7
6
5
4
White rook on d4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Where the rook on the dotted squares can go.

The rook 5 points

The rook moves any number of squares along a row or column. Rooks are strongest on open files and on the seventh rank, and two rooks together can checkmate a lone king.

8
7
6
5
4
White bishop on d4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Where the bishop on the dotted squares can go.

The bishop 3 points

The bishop moves any number of squares diagonally, so it stays on the colour it starts on all game. Each side has a light-squared and a dark-squared bishop.

8
7
6
5
4
White knight on d4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Where the knight on the dotted squares can go.

The knight 3 points

The knight moves in an L shape: two squares in one direction, then one square to the side. It is the only piece that jumps over other pieces, which makes it great for forks.

8
7
6
5
Black pawn on c5
4
3
2
White pawn on d2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Where the pawn on the dotted squares can go.

The pawn 1 point

Pawns move one square forward, or two from their starting square. They capture one square diagonally forward. A pawn that reaches the far side is promoted, usually to a queen. Pawns also have a special capture, en passant.

More on 2P Chess

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