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2. The Knight

Learn the knight's unique L-shaped move and its ability to jump over pieces.

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Introduction

The knight is the trickiest piece on the board. It moves in an L-shape and is the only piece that can jump over others. Let's master its movement!

Lesson Content

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The knight moves in an L-shape: two squares in one direction and one square perpendicular (or vice versa). From d4, the knight can reach up to 8 different squares.

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1. ..Nf5

Move the knight to f5—two squares up and one to the right.

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2. Nf3

In the starting position, the knight is the only piece (besides pawns) that can move—it jumps right over the row of pawns! Develop the knight to f3.

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2. ..Nf5

Here's an extreme example: the knight is completely boxed in by pawns on every adjacent square. This is a contrived position, but it drives the point home—nothing can trap a knight! Jump to f5.

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Knights on the edge or corner of the board have far fewer moves. A knight on b1 can only reach 3 squares, compared to 8 from the center. That's why knights belong in the center!

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3. ..Nc3

Develop the knight toward the center. Move it to c3.

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How does the knight move?

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What makes the knight unique compared to all other pieces?

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5. Nxe6

Knights capture by landing on an enemy piece. Capture the black knight!

Key Takeaways

  • Knights move in an L-shape: 2 squares + 1 square perpendicular
  • Knights can jump over other pieces—the only piece that can
  • Knights capture by landing on the enemy piece
  • A centered knight controls up to 8 squares
  • Edge and corner knights are much weaker (fewer reachable squares)

Summary

You now know how the knight moves: L-shaped jumps that can leap over any piece. Remember—knights are strongest in the center!

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