rules, tactics, strategies and history

The Knight

The Knight moves neither in rank nor file nor diagonal and, therefore, usually offers a little more difficulty to the beginner than the other pieces. The Knight's move is perhaps best described as a leap to the next but one square of different color.

Note: It may be helpful to consider the Knight's move when completed as having described a letter "L" composed of four squares, three in one direction and one at right angles to them.

For instance, in the diagram below, the Knight may move to d8, d6, e5, g5, h6 and h8. In moving to d6 he would capture the Queen.

Its move would be in no way obstructed if some of its own or his adversary's men were occupying the squares next to the one on which it stands. This enables the Knight as the only one of the pieces to move at the beginning of the game before any Pawn move has been made.

			X				X	8
								7
							X	6
				X		X		5
								4
								3
								2
								1
a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

The strength of the Knight is ordinarily regarded as about equal to that of the Bishop. The latter's range is larger but the Knight has the advantage of being able to reach any square of the board regardless of color.