CHESS STRATEGY
The basic rules of chess remains the same; each of the 6 different kinds of pieces moves in a distinct manner. While only the knight can jump over the others, the pieces cannot move through other pieces or move onto a square with one of their pieces. They can only take over the opposing player's space, if captured. Pieces are moved into positions where they can capture other pieces, defend their own pieces if captured, or control important squares in the game.
The King
The King is supreme. However, it is the weakest and can only move one square in any direction - up, down, to the sides, and diagonally. The king is never moved into check where he could be captured.
The Queen
The queen is the most powerful. She can move straight in any of the four directions as long as she does not move through any of her own pieces. If the queen captures an opposing player's piece her move is over.
The Rook
The rook can move as far as it wants, but only forward, backward, and to the sides. The rooks protect each other and can be powerful if they work together.
The Bishop
The bishop can only move diagonally. Each bishop has to stay on the color he starts on.
The Knight
Knights are unique in that they move two squares in one direction, and then one more move at a right angle and also because they are also the only pieces that can move over other pieces.
The Pawn
Pawns are unique because they can capture in diverse ways. Exception in the beginning when they move forward two squares, pawns can only move forward one square at a time. The move forward, but can only capture one square diagonally in front of them. Backward capture is not an option. If there is another piece directly in front of a pawn he cannot move past or capture that piece.
Promotion
Only pawns can be promoted and usually to a queen. Once it reaches the other side, it gets promoted and can choose to become any other piece.
En Passant
If a pawn moves out two squares on its first move (first move only), and thus lands to the side of the opposing player’s pawn, the other pawn has the option of capturing the first pawn as it passes by.
Castling
Castling allows you two moves at the same time - get your king to safety and your rook out of the corner and into the game. In order to castle the following conditions must be met:
- It has to be the king's as well as the rook's very first move
- There cannot be any pieces between the king and rook to move
- The king cannot be in check or pass through check
Check and Checkmate
The aim of the game is to checkmate the opponent’s king. This happens when the king is put into check and cannot get out of check. There are three ways a king can get out of check:
- Move out of the way
- Block the check with another piece
- Capture the piece threatening the king.
If a king cannot escape checkmate then the game concludes.
