How a knight moves
A knight moves two squares in one direction, then one square sideways. Another way to remember it: the knight moves in an L shape.
Knights can jump over pieces, so they are useful in crowded positions. In the example, watch how the knight jumps from one square to another without needing a clear path.
Why the knight is special
The knight attacks in a pattern that can be hard to see at first. A good habit is to imagine a small rectangle: two squares one way, one square across. Knights near the centre attack up to eight squares.
Remember
- The knight attacks squares of the opposite colour from where it stands.
- It can jump over friendly and enemy pieces.
- Knights are strong near the centre because they attack more squares.