Mastering how the knight moves is very important for any chess player. Unlike other pieces, the knight moves in an “L” shape: it moves two squares in one direction and then one square in another, or the other way around, one square and then two. The knight can jump over any pieces on the board, which is something no other piece can do. It captures by landing on a square that has an opponent’s piece. Every time the knight moves, it goes from a light-colored square to a dark one or the other way around. Here are the steps to really understand how it works.
Step 1: Remember the 8 Possible Directions
Think of the knight’s moves as these changes in position (files a to h left to right, ranks 1 to 8 from bottom to top):
- Move up two and right 1 (like e4 to f6)
Move up two and left 1 (like e4 to d6)
Move down two and right 1 (like e4 to f2)
Move down two and left 1 (like e4 to d2)
Move up one and right 2 (like e4 to g5)
Move up one and left 2 (like e4 to c5)
Move down one and right 2 (like e4 to g3)
Move down one and left 2 (like e4 to c3)
You can picture this as an “L” shape: a long leg (2 squares) and a short leg (1 square).
Another way to think about it is moving straight first, like a pawn or rook, and then diagonally, like a bishop.
Step 2: Know How Movement Changes Based on Position
A knight’s number of moves depends on where it is on the board:
– In the corners (like a1, h1, a8, h8): it has 2 moves
– Near the corners (like b1, g1, etc.): it has 3 or 4 moves
– On the edges (like a4, h4): it has 4 moves
– In the middle near the center (like c3, f6): it has 6 or 8 moves
– At the true center (like d4, d5, e4, e5): it has 8 moves
Here is how many moves a knight can make from certain squares:
| Square | Moves | Targets |
|——–|——-|———|
| a1 | 2 | b3, c2 |
| h1 | 2 | f2, g3 |
| a4 | 4 | b2, b6, c3, c5 |
| d4 | 8 | b3, b5, c2, c6, e2, e6, f3, f5 |
| e4 | 8 | c3, c5, d2, d6, f2, f6, g3, g5 |
| e5 | 8 | c4, c6, d3, d7, f3, f7, g4, g6 |
Step 3: See It on a Diagram
Here are some simple diagrams that show where a knight can move from different positions:
Corner: Knight at a1 (2 moves)
Targets: b3, c2
Edge: Knight at b1 (3 moves)
Targets: a3, c3, d2
Mid-Edge: Knight at a4 (4 moves)
Targets: b2, b6, c3, c5
Center: Knight at d4 (8 moves)
Targets: b3, b5, c2, c6, e2, e6, f3, f5
Hyper-Center: Knight at e5 (8 moves)
Targets: c4, c6, d3, d7, f3, f7, g4, g6
Step 4: Draw the Path Yourself
– Place the knight on e4.
– Draw the path to f6: First move up two squares to e6, then right one to f6.
Or first move right one to f4 and then up two to f6.
– Do this for all eight possible moves.
Picture an “area” around the knight that includes all the squares it can move to
Step 5: Use the Rules in Real Games
– Jumping over pieces: The knight can skip over any piece in front of it.
– Capturing: The knight lands on a square where an opponent’s piece is.
– Check and king safety: When the knight moves, it can threaten the king.
The king can’t move to a square that is under attack unless it’s protected.
– Notation: When a knight moves to e5, it is written as Ne5.
Try this: Can a knight from e4 go to d6?
Yes, because it’s moving up one and left two. Can it go to c6? Yes, also.
Step 6: Practice Playing
1. On an empty board, list all the moves a knight can make from your position.
2 . Starting at the setup, try to move the white knights (from b1 and g1) to a3, c3, f3, or h3 (but remember that pawns might block some moves).
3 . Work on puzzles that involve creating forks, where the knight attacks more than one piece at once.
4 .Try doing a knight’s tour, move the knight so that it lands on every square exactly once (advanced, and some tours are possible).
5 . Play on online platforms like Lichess or Chess.com, where you can find rundowns for the knight.
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Enroll HereAmong all the chess pieces, the knight stands out as the most intriguing and unique one.
Unlike the rook, bishop, or queen, which move in straight lines, the knight moves in an L-shape, making it a key piece for creative tactics. This special movement allows the knight to attack from unexpected directions and control essential squares on the board, underscoring its strategic value in both attack and defense. Learning how the knight moves is crucial for improving your chess skills, whether you’re in the early stages of the game or heading towards the endgame.
This blog covers how knights move, their role in tactics and strategy, memorable moments from chess history involving knights, and tips on using them effectively during endgames. Exploring these topics can inspire curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the knight’s strategic importance.
Basic Knight Moves
- The knight moves in an L-shape.
- It goes two squares in one direction, either up, down, left, or right.
- Then it turns and moves one square at a right angle.
- If it starts on a light square, it will always end on a dark square; conversely, if it begins on a dark square, it will always end on a light square
Key characteristics of knight movement:
Knights can move over other pieces, which is special. They capture pieces by moving to the square occupied by the enemy piece. Knights don’t move in straight lines.
They are most effective when the board is crowded with blocked pawns. Their odd way of moving can be confusing for new players. But once you get used to it, they can be one of the strongest pieces on the board.
Tactical Uses of Knights
Knights are strong in battle strategies, especially during the middle part of the game. They can attack multiple pieces simultaneously, making them effective at creating danger and pressure.
Common knight tactics:
Common knight strategies include forks, where one knight strikes two or more enemy pieces at the same time, like the king and queen. There are also discovered attacks, where a knight’s movement uncovers an attack by another piece. Smothered mate is a famous way to end a game with a knight and a queen sacrifice. Outposts are positions where knights are placed on intense, protected squares in the opponent’s territory. Since knights move in unusual ways, opponents may miss their threats. A well-timed fork can completely shift the game’s direction.
Strategic Placement of Knights
Unlike bishops, knights do best in the middle of the board. A knight in the center can control up to eight squares, but if it’s on the edge, it only controls two or three.
Strategic principles for placing knights:
“A knight on the rim is dim” so try to avoid putting knights on the edges.
Put knights on outposts that are protected by your own pawns.
Use knights to stop the opponent’s pawns from advancing.
Place knights on important central squares like d4, e4, d5, and e5.
Knights are mighty when the game is closed and pawn chains block the bishops.
In those situations, knights usually work better than bishops.
Famous Knight Moves in Games
Many famous chess games are remembered for the knight’s impressive moves.
Famous examples include:
Kasparov vs. Topalov (1999): Kasparov made a breathtaking knight sacrifice that opened up the king’s position and led to one of the most exciting attacking games ever played.
Smothered mate combinations:
These are often seen in games played by Paul Morphy.
Alekhine's knight strategies:
Alekhine showed how knights can control the board through careful placement. These classic games show how knights can be used in a creative, strong, and powerful way at the top level of chess.
Knight Endgames and Techniques
In the endgame, knights need to be handled carefully. Unlike bishops, knights aren’t as good on both wings, but they can be powerful in positions where pawns are blocked.
Essential ideas for playing with knights in the endgame:
Knights are great at stopping passed pawns. It’s critical to get your knight to the center.
Knights usually do well when the pawns are all on one side of the board
Working together with your king is key.
A knight can sometimes give itself up to stop a dangerous pawn or gain a key move.
Learning how to use knights in the endgame helps you turn small advantages into actual wins.
Knight Endgames and Techniques
In the endgame, knights need to be handled carefully. Unlike bishops, knights aren’t as good on both wings, but they can be very strong in positions where pawns are blocked.
Important ideas for playing with knights in the endgame:
Knights are great at stopping passed pawns. It’s important to get your knight to the center.
Knights usually do well when the pawns are all on one side of the board.
Working together with your king is key.
A knight can sometimes give itself up to stop a dangerous pawn or gain a key move.
Learning how to use knights in the endgame helps you turn small advantages into actual wins.
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Enroll HereConclusion
The knight is a distinctive and potent chess piece that rewards creativity, careful planning, and an understanding of positional play. From simple moves to advanced tactics like forks, from clever placement to essential endgame strategies, getting good at using the knight can significantly improve your chess skills.
By looking at famous knight moves, practicing common tactical patterns, and learning when to move your knight to the center or reposition it, you develop a better understanding of this amazing piece.
In chess, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of delivering a powerful knight fork or seeing your knight take control of the board.
If you want to get better at chess, start by mastering the knight’s moves—it’s a skill that helps you at every level of play.
FAQs
It moves in an L-shape and attacks pieces in a way that’s not always obvious, making it harder to spot its threats compared to other pieces.
Yes. Knights are the only pieces in chess that can jump over both your own pieces and your opponent’s pieces.
It depends on the situation. Knights usually perform better in positions where the board is closed, while bishops are stronger in open positions.
A knight fork is a chess tactic in which a knight attacks two or more pieces simultaneously, often placing the opponent in a difficult position.
You can improve by practicing tactical exercises, studying games played by strong players, and learning how to place your knights in the center of the board and on strong squares.
