The knight in chess: the L-shaped move

The knight moves in an L shape — two squares in one direction and one to the side — and it is the only piece in chess that can jump over other men, its own and the opponent's.

In short: the knight moves in an L: two squares straight and one to the side, in any of eight directions. From the centre it attacks eight squares, from a corner only two — so it keeps to the middle of the board. It jumps over any piece, so it alone can come into play before you move a pawn. Beginners find it hardest, because its move is hard to "see".

How the knight moves

The knight's move is always an L: two squares in a straight line and one at a right angle to the side. From a central square that gives eight possible squares. The knight is also the only piece that changes the colour of its square with every move.

The knight jumps over other pieces

The knight's key trait: it jumps over anything in the way. Only the destination square matters — pieces along the path are irrelevant. That is why it is the only piece that can come into play on the very first move, over its own pawns.

Why the knight loves the centre

From a corner the knight attacks only two squares, from the centre as many as eight. Hence the old rule: a knight on the rim is dim. Keep it in the middle, where it is most dangerous — and its favourite weapon is the fork, an attack on two pieces at once.

Can the knight jump over pieces?

Yes, it alone — it jumps over everything, only the destination square counts.

How many squares does the knight attack?

From two in a corner to eight in the centre of the board.

Knight or bishop — which is better?

Both are worth 3 points; the knight rules closed positions, the bishop open ones.

The knight is one of six pieces — compare it with the rest in the guide to chess pieces and set it against the bishop. Practise knight forks on chess tasks.

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