Moves of the King

The King

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

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

The King may capture an undefended opponent's piece, or even capture a piece that is threatening it when it is in check.

Forbidden Squares for the King

The King may never move into check (onto a square where it could be captured).

The King cannot capture defended pieces, because doing so would place it on a square where it could be captured.