Chapter 02 · Beginner · 3 min
The king
The king moves one square at a time, but the whole game revolves around him. Slow, important, and not allowed to be ignored.
Explanation
The king is slow, but the whole game revolves around him.
The king moves one square in all directions. He can capture an opposing piece if the arrival square is not protected. And this is the important rule: a king never has the right to go to an attacked square.
At the start and middle of the game, the king mainly seeks security. It is often protected with castling. In the final, when there are fewer dangerous pieces remaining, he becomes active: he helps the pawns, blocks the opposing king and really participates in the game. Small rule to keep in mind: two kings can never be side by side, because they would attack each other.
To remember
The king moves one square, but he can never move to an attacked square.
Classic error
Treat it like a normal part. The king is not played like the other pieces: we protect him.
Player Tip
At the start and middle of the game, hide your king. Finally, take it out: it becomes a real active piece.