The Knight in Chess
The knight is one of the most distinctive chess pieces due to its unique movement pattern. Unlike all other pieces, the knight moves in a fixed shape and is the only piece that can jump over other pieces on the board.
Each player begins the game with two knights.
What Is the Knight in Chess?
The knight is a chess piece that moves in a specific pattern rather than along ranks, files, or diagonals. Because of this, its movement and capture rules are different from every other piece in the game.
Knights are classified as minor pieces, along with bishops.
How the Knight Moves
The knight moves in an L-shaped pattern.
Each legal knight move consists of:
- Moving two squares in one direction (horizontal or vertical)
- Then moving one square perpendicular to that direction
This movement pattern is fixed and cannot be altered.
From a central square, a knight may have up to eight possible moves, depending on board position.
Jumping Ability of the Knight
The knight is the only chess piece that can jump over other pieces.
- Pieces between the knight’s starting and destination squares do not block its movement
- Friendly and opposing pieces are ignored during the jump
- Only the destination square matters
This jumping ability is a defining characteristic of the knight.
How the Knight Captures Pieces
The knight captures pieces using the same L-shaped movement it uses to move.
To capture:
- The knight moves to a square occupied by an opposing piece
- The opposing piece is then removed from the board
A knight cannot capture a piece unless that piece is located on a square reachable by its legal movement pattern.
Movement Restrictions of the Knight
Despite its unique movement, the knight is still subject to standard rules:
- It cannot move in straight lines
- It cannot move diagonally
- It cannot make a move that leaves its own king in an illegal position
All knight moves must follow the rules governing legal and illegal positions.
Colour-Changing Property of the Knight
Every knight move causes the knight to land on a square of the opposite colour.
- A knight starting on a light square will move to a dark square
- A knight starting on a dark square will move to a light square
Because of this, a knight alternates square colour on every move.
The Knight’s Starting Position
At the start of the game:
- White knights begin on b1 and g1
- Black knights begin on b8 and g8
Each player starts with two knights positioned between the rooks and bishops.
The Value of the Knight in Chess
In relative piece valuation, the knight is commonly assigned a value of three points.
This value reflects:
- Its limited range compared to long-range pieces
- Its unique jumping ability
- Its classification as a minor piece
Piece values are relative and used primarily for evaluation purposes.
Knight Notation in Chess
In algebraic notation, the knight is represented by the letter N.
Examples:
Nf3Nxe5
The letter N is used instead of K to avoid confusion with the king.
Full notation rules are explained in Algebraic Notation Explained.
Common Misunderstandings About the Knight
- Knights do not move diagonally or in straight lines
- Knights are not blocked by other pieces
- Knights always change square colour after each move
- Knights cannot capture pieces outside their movement pattern
Understanding these rules helps prevent illegal moves and confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Knight in Chess
How does the knight move in chess?
The knight moves in an L shape: two squares in one direction and then one square perpendicular.
Can a knight jump over other pieces?
Yes. The knight is the only piece that can jump over other pieces.
How many knights does each player have?
Each player begins the game with two knights.
How does a knight capture pieces?
A knight captures by landing on an opponent’s piece using its normal L-shaped movement.
Can a knight be blocked like a rook or bishop?
No. Knights are not blocked by pieces between their starting and destination squares.
What is the value of a knight in chess?
A knight is commonly valued at three points in relative piece valuation.
Can a knight give check to the king?
Yes. A knight gives check if its movement pattern attacks the opposing king’s square.