Chess Pieces and Rules

Front

King

Back

The most valuable piece on the board. If this piece is captured, then the game is over. It can move one space in any direction. Each player has one of these.

Front

Queen

Back

The most powerful piece on the board. It is very valuable. It can move as many spaces as it wants in any direction. Each player starts out with one of these.

Front

Rook

Back

A valuable piece that can move as many spaces as it wants vertically or horizontally. It can not move diagonally. Each player starts out with two of these. It is also called a castle.

Front

Bishop

Back

This piece can move as many spaces as it wants in a diagonal direction. Each player starts out with two of these.

Front

Knight

Back

This piece can move only three spaces in an 'L' shape. It can jump over other pieces. Each player starts out with two of these.

Front

Pawn

Back

The least powerful piece. It can move only one space forward. It captures by moving one space diagonally. On its first move, it can move two spaces. You can change it to a knight, bishop, rook, or a queen if you get it to the other side of the board. Each player starts out with eight of these.

Front

Check

Back

You say this when you have a piece that is attacking your opponent's king and it has been 'captured' but still has a way to escape.

Front

Checkmate

Back

You say this when you are attacking your opponent's king and your opponent can't do anything about it because there is no escape. This is when you win.

Front

Ways to Draw (Tie)

Back

1. When there are no legal moves left, also known as stalemate. 2. When the only pieces left are the two kings. 3. When there have been 50 moves and no progress was made. 4. When both players repeat the same move three times.

Front

Castling

Back

You can make this move when there are no pieces between your king and your rook, and neither of them has moved yet. Then, your king and rook overlap each other. This move is used to protect your king.