Basics · Lesson 5 of 12 · 2 min read
How Does the Knight Move in Chess?
By James Dulay · Updated 14 November 2026
The knight moves in an L shape: two squares in one direction, then one square to the side. It is the only piece that can jump over other pieces, friend or enemy. It is worth about 3 points.
Try it in 3DThe L-shaped move
Count two squares up, down, left or right, then one square at a right angle. Each move takes the knight to a square of the opposite colour, so a knight on a light square always lands on a dark one.
In the centre a knight has up to eight moves. On the edge it has four or fewer, and in a corner only two. That is the reason behind the old saying "a knight on the rim is dim".
Jumping over pieces
Pieces in between do not block a knight. At the start of the game the knights are the only pieces besides pawns that can move, because they jump straight over the row of pawns.
A knight captures the piece on the square it lands on. Anything it jumps over is unaffected.
Why knights are tricky
Because its move is unlike any other piece, the knight's attacks are easy to miss. It can attack two pieces at once without either piece being able to hit back. This knight fork is one of the most common tactics in chess.
Interactive lesson
Practise the knight 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 a knight jump over its own pieces?
Yes. A knight jumps over any piece, its own or the opponent's.
How many moves does a knight have?
Up to eight in the centre of the board, as few as two in a corner.