ChessWorld.net LogoChessWorld.net, founded in 2000, is an online chess site.
If you would like to play relaxed, friendly online chess, then...
or

πŸ“š Chess Courses – Openings, Tactics, Middlegame, Endgames

β™ŸοΈ Meet the Chess Pieces – Moves, Value & Tips

Every chess game begins with 16 pieces per side β€” each with a unique movement pattern, strength, and role. Understanding how they move and work together is the first step toward mastering the game.

β™™ Pawns – The Foot Soldiers

Pawns move forward one square, but capture diagonally. On their first move, they may advance two squares. When a pawn reaches the opposite end of the board, it can promote β€” usually to a queen.

Pawns move forward but capture diagonally. Promotion gives them new power!

Piece value: 1 point
Tip: Use pawns to control the center and open lines for your pieces.

β™ž Knights – The Jumping Attackers

Knights move in an L-shape: two squares in one direction, then one at a right angle. They can jump over other pieces, making them especially tricky in crowded positions.

Knights jump in an L-shape β€” unique among chess pieces.

Piece value: 3 points
Tip: Knights are strongest near the center, where they control up to eight squares.

β™— Bishops – Masters of the Diagonals

Bishops move any number of squares diagonally, staying on the same color. Each side starts with one light-squared bishop and one dark-squared bishop.

Bishops control long diagonals β€” keep them active and unobstructed.

Piece value: 3 points
Tip: Avoid locking your bishops behind pawns of the same color.

β™– Rooks – The Power of the Ranks and Files

Rooks move any number of squares vertically or horizontally. They dominate open files and work especially well together in the endgame.

Rooks control files and ranks β€” connect and activate them early.

Piece value: 5 points
Tip: Place rooks on open files to attack or support your other pieces.

β™• The Queen – The Most Powerful Piece

The queen combines the movement of the rook and bishop β€” moving any number of squares in any direction. Losing your queen early is usually disastrous, so coordinate her attacks carefully.

The queen can dominate the board when coordinated with other pieces.

Piece value: 9 points
Tip: Bring the queen into action after your minor pieces are developed.

β™” The King – Protect at All Costs

The king can move one square in any direction. If the king is attacked (β€œin check”), it must move, block, or capture to escape β€” if it cannot, the game ends with checkmate.

The king’s safety is your top priority β€” especially early on.

Piece value: Infinite β€” you lose the game if it’s checkmated.
Tip: Castle early to safeguard your king and connect your rooks.

πŸ’‘ Summary Table

PieceSymbolValueMovement
Pawnβ™™1Forward (captures diagonally)
Knightβ™ž3L-shape, can jump over pieces
Bishopβ™—3Diagonal any distance
Rookβ™–5Straight any distance
Queenβ™•9Diagonal or straight any distance
Kingβ™”βˆžOne square any direction