How the Knight Moves
The knight jumps in an L: two squares one way and one the other. It can leap over pieces.
Chess Basics
Knights move in a fancy L shape
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About the Knight
A knight is worth about 3 pawns.
- It moves in an L shape (two squares one way, then one square at a right angle) and is the only piece that can jump over others.
- Every knight move lands on a square of the opposite colour to the one it left.
- Knights are strongest in the centre, where they reach up to eight squares. "A knight on the rim is dim."
- Knights are the classic forking piece: one jump can attack the king and queen at once.
New to the game? Read our guide to how every chess piece moves, then drill the board with the coordinate trainer.