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7. Castling

Learn the special move that protects your king and activates your rook.

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Introduction

Castling is a special move where the king and rook move together. It's the only move where two pieces move at once! It helps tuck the king to safety and connect the rooks.

Lesson Content

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To castle, the king moves two squares toward a rook, and the rook jumps over the king to the next square. You can castle kingside (short) or queenside (long).

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1. ..O-O

Castle kingside! Move the king two squares toward the h1 rook.

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Queenside castling: the king goes two squares toward the a-rook (e1 to c1), and the rook goes to d1. It's slightly slower because the queen-side has more space to clear.

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Castling rules: (1) Neither the king nor the rook can have moved before. (2) No pieces between king and rook. (3) The king cannot be in check. (4) The king cannot pass through or land on a square attacked by an enemy piece.

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When you castle kingside, how many squares does the king move?

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A black bishop on e3 attacks the squares f2 and g1. Can White castle kingside?

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Which of these would permanently prevent you from castling on one side?

Key Takeaways

  • Castling moves the king two squares toward a rook; the rook jumps over
  • Kingside (O-O) and queenside (O-O-O) castling are both available
  • You cannot castle through check, out of check, or into check
  • Moving the king or rook permanently loses that castling right
  • Castle early to protect your king!

Summary

Castling protects your king and develops your rook in one move. Castle early in most games to keep your king safe!

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