Beginner 1

How the Knight Moves and Captures

Understand the knight's L-shaped moves, jumping ability, and how to use forks.

Meet the Knight

Knights are the only pieces that jump. They move in an "L" shape: two squares in one direction and then one square to the side. In this lesson you will see how knights hop over pieces, how they capture, and how a single knight can fork (attack) two pieces at the same time.

Illustration of a knight in chess

A knight is like a clever horse — it jumps in an L-shape and loves to surprise pieces that think they are safe.

Play a Knight Game vs Computer

Now you will practice using your knights in a real game. You will play as White with a king, two knights, and pawns. Stockfish will play as Black with the same material.

  • Use your knights to jump over pieces and land on strong outposts.
  • Look for forks where one knight move attacks two pieces at once.
  • Bring your knights toward the centre where they control more squares.

Play a few games and try to spot knight forks against the enemy king, queen, or rooks.

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