Chess Piece Names

First of all, if you are still calling that one piece the "horsey", it is time to learn the official names for the chess pieces! Using words like the castle, the horse, the turret, and the pointy top thing simply give you away as a beginner. It is time to watch our instructional video on piece names (6:18) and then study the chart below! Once you know the names for the pieces, it is time to study the official terminology and positioning of the chess board itself. You can also learn much more about each chess pieces by clicking on them below.

 

 

Piece Name Digital Image Physical Image Brief Overview
The Pawn pawn pawn
  • Moves one space forward
  • May move 2 spaces forward on first move
  • Captures 1 space diagonally
The Rook rook rook
  • Moves left and right
  • Moves Forward and Backward
  • Can move more than one square
The Knight knight knight
  • Moves in 2-1 pattern (capital L)
  • Only Piece that can jump pieces
The Bishop bishop bishop
  • Moves diagonally
  • Can move more than one square
  • Always remains on same color square
The Queen queen queen
  • Can move forward and backwards
  • Can move left and right
  • Can move diagonally
  • Can move more than one space
The King king king
  • Moves one space in any direction
  • Can not move into check