♜ How the chess pieces move: a guide for kids
Rooks go straight, bishops go diagonally, the queen goes both ways, knights jump in an L, kings take one step, and pawns march forward and capture diagonally. Here is each one in a little more detail.
The pawn
Moves one square forward. On its very first move it may go two. It captures one square diagonally forward. It never moves backwards. Reach the far side and it is promoted, usually to a queen.
The rook
Moves any number of squares in a straight line: up, down, left or right. It can't jump over pieces. Worth five points.
The bishop
Moves any number of squares diagonally. Each bishop stays on one colour for the whole game. Worth three points.
The knight
Moves in an L: two squares one way, then one square to the side. It is the only piece that can jump over others. Worth three points.
The queen
Moves any number of squares in any straight line or diagonal. The most powerful piece: worth nine points.
The king
Moves one square in any direction. It can never move into check. If it is in check and can't escape, that's checkmate.
Three special moves
- Castling: the king moves two squares toward a rook and the rook jumps to the other side. Only if neither has moved, nothing is between them, and the king isn't in check or passing through check.
- Promotion: a pawn that reaches the last row becomes another piece.
- En passant: if a pawn moves two squares and lands beside your pawn, you can capture it as if it had moved one, but only on the very next move.