Beginner

7. The King

Learn how the king moves and why keeping it safe is your top priority.

Introduction

The king is the most important piece—if it's checkmated, you lose! The king moves slowly but must be protected at all costs. Let's learn its movement.

Lesson Content

Try this position

The king moves one square in any direction—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. It's the slowest piece on the board.

Try this position

1. ♔︎e5

Move the king from d4 to e5—one square diagonally.

Move the king one square diagonally to e5.

Try this position

1. ♔︎d5

Move from d4 to d5.

Move the king one square straight up to d5.

Try this position

The king can capture enemy pieces by moving to their square, just like other pieces. But the king can never move to a square that's attacked by an opponent's piece.

Try this position

1. ♔︎xd5

Move the king from d4 to d5 to capture the pawn.

Capture the black pawn with the king!

Try this position

The king cannot move to a square where it would be in check (attacked). Two kings can never stand next to each other—they must always keep at least one square between them.