Lesson 2 of 7·2 min

The pieces, and how they move

Six piece types. Each moves differently. Here's how each one works.

Pawn

You have 8

Moves one square forward. On its first move only, it can move two. Pawns never move backward or sideways.

Pawns only go forward — so when this one reaches the end of the board, the demo resets it to the start.

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Rook

You have 2

Moves any number of squares in a straight line — up, down, left, or right. Never diagonally.

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Bishop

You have 2

Moves any number of squares diagonally. A bishop stays on one colour for the whole game — light or dark.

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Knight

You have 2

Moves in an L — two squares one way, then one at a right angle. The only piece that can jump over others.

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Queen

You have 1

Moves any number of squares in any direction — straight or diagonal. Combines the rook and bishop, and is the most powerful piece.

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King

You have 1

Moves one square in any direction. Slow — but if the king is trapped, the game is over.

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