Each chess piece has its own way of moving, and a piece captures by landing on a square occupied by an enemy piece. A piece can never move to a square occupied by its own side, and no piece except the knight can jump over others.

King

The king moves one square in any direction. It is the most valuable piece because losing it means losing the game, but its attacking power is limited. The king may not move to a square attacked by an enemy piece. In the endgame, when material is reduced, the king becomes an active fighter and should come to the centre.

Queen (about 9 points)

The queen moves any number of squares along ranks, files and diagonals, as long as the path is clear. Combining the powers of rook and bishop, it is the strongest piece. It is decisive in open positions and attacks on the king, but if brought out too early it can be chased around by developing moves.

Rook (5 points)

The rook moves any number of squares along ranks and files. It is very strong on open files and on the seventh rank, where the opponent's pawns stand. At the start it is locked in the corner; castling and pawn moves open lines for the rooks.

Bishop (3 points)

The bishop moves diagonally any number of squares and stays on the same colour all game: a light-squared bishop can never reach a dark square. Keeping both bishops, the 'bishop pair', is considered an advantage, especially in open positions.

Knight (3 points)

The knight moves in an 'L': two squares in a straight line and then one to the side. It is the only piece that jumps over others, which makes it powerful in closed positions. It changes square colour with every move. It is weak on the rim and strong in the centre: 'a knight on the rim is dim'.

Pawn (1 point)

The pawn only moves forward: one square, or two from its starting square. It cannot capture straight ahead; it captures one square diagonally forward. It is the only piece that cannot retreat, so every pawn move is a permanent decision. A pawn reaching the last rank promotes.

Special moves

• Castling: the king and a rook move in the same turn. See 'Castling in Chess' for details.
• En passant: a pawn that has just advanced two squares beside an enemy pawn can be captured immediately as if it had moved one.
• Promotion: a pawn reaching the last rank becomes a queen, rook, bishop or knight. A queen is usually chosen, but a knight is sometimes better to deliver mate or avoid stalemate.

How to use piece values

The points are a handy guide for trades: giving a rook for a bishop (5 for 3) is usually a loss, called 'losing the exchange'. A knight and a bishop are roughly equal. But values are not absolute: a knight on a strong central outpost can be worth more than a rook buried behind its own pawns. Masters weigh material together with piece activity and king safety.

💡 Before trading, don't just count pieces; ask whose pieces will be more active after the trade. Trade when you are ahead, keep pieces on the board when you are behind.