Basics · Lesson 6 of 12 · 2 min read
How Does the King Move in Chess?
By James Dulay · Updated 14 November 2026
The king moves one square in any direction. He is the most important piece: if your king is trapped with no escape, called checkmate, you lose the game. A king may never move onto a square attacked by an enemy piece.
Try it in 3DOne square at a time
The king steps to any adjacent square: forward, backward, sideways or diagonally. His only longer move is castling, where he moves two squares towards a rook.
Never into danger
Moving your king onto a square that an enemy piece attacks is illegal. The same rule means the two kings can never stand next to each other, because each would be attacking the other.
A king can capture an enemy piece next to him, but only if that piece is not protected. Capturing a protected piece would put the king in check, which is not allowed.
Safety first, then activity
In the opening and middle game, keep your king safe, usually by castling behind a wall of pawns. In the endgame, when most pieces are gone, the king becomes a strong fighting piece and should march towards the centre.
Interactive lesson
Practise the king on a 3D board
Pawnorama walks you through this lesson step by step. You make every move yourself, with hints when you need them. Free, no account needed.
Start the lessonCommon questions
Can the king capture pieces?
Yes, as long as the piece he captures is not defended by another enemy piece.
Can the two kings stand next to each other?
No. A king may never move onto a square attacked by the other king.