Learn Chess

Master the Game of Kings

Learn everything you need to know about chess, from basic moves to advanced strategies.

Basics

Piece Introduction

Pawn

Pawn

Moves forward one square, captures diagonally. Can move two squares on first move.

Rook

Rook

Moves any number of squares horizontally or vertically.

Knight

Knight

Moves in an "L" shape: two squares in one direction, then one square perpendicular.

Bishop

Bishop

Moves any number of squares diagonally.

Queen

Queen

Moves any number of squares in any direction (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal).

King

King

Moves one square in any direction. Must be protected from check and checkmate.

Special Moves

Castling

A special move involving the king and rook, moving both pieces in a single turn.

En Passant

A special pawn capture that can only be made immediately after an opponent's pawn makes a two-square advance.

Pawn Promotion

When a pawn reaches the opposite end of the board, it can be promoted to any other piece (except king).

Basic Strategy

Opening

    Middlegame

      Endgame

        Common Tactics

        Pin

        A piece cannot move because doing so would expose a more valuable piece to capture.

        Fork

        A piece attacks two or more opponent pieces simultaneously.

        Skewer

        Similar to a pin, but the more valuable piece is in front.

        Discovered Attack

        Moving one piece reveals an attack from another piece.

        Practice Tips