Moves of the King

The King

The King is the most important piece, but it is one of the weakest. When the King is captured, the game is over.

The King can only move one square in any direction: up, down, to the sides, and diagonally.

King moving

The King may capture an opponent's piece when it is not defended, or even if it is threatening him ("in check").

King capturing

The King may never move himself into "check" (where he could be captured).

Forbidden moves

The King may not capture defended pieces, because he could be captured.

Forbidden Captures