Chess rules · beginner
Chess Piece Values
Trade wisely: know the value of each piece.
Last updated
touch_appLearn it by doing: read the short explanation, then play it on the board.
Quick answer
Chess pieces are usually counted in points: pawn 1, knight 3, bishop 3, rook 5, queen 9. The king has no value because losing it loses the game. Add up the points to see who is ahead in material, and avoid trades that give away more points than you get.
Step by step
Piece values (in pawns): • Pawn = 1 • Knight = 3 • Bishop = 3 • Rook = 5 • Queen = 9 The king can't be traded: losing him loses the game.
Use the values to decide trades. Giving a knight (3) for a rook (5) is a good deal. Giving your queen (9) for a rook (5) is a bad one.
Common mistakes
- Trading a rook (5) for a knight or bishop (3) without a good reason: that's losing the exchange.
- Treating the values as fixed rules. A well-placed knight can beat a bad bishop; activity matters too.
- Counting only the piece you take, not the piece you lose back on the next move.
Tips from the lesson
- Pawn 1, knight 3, bishop 3, rook 5, queen 9.
Where you'll use this
FAQ
What is each chess piece worth?add
Pawn 1, knight 3, bishop 3, rook 5, queen 9. The king is priceless.
Is a bishop worth more than a knight?add
They're roughly equal. Many players value the bishop slightly higher, especially as a pair.
Are two rooks better than a queen?add
Two rooks (10) are usually a little stronger than a queen (9), especially in the endgame.
What does 'up material' mean?add
Having more points of pieces on the board than your opponent, for example a piece or a pawn more.