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Chess rules · beginner

How the Rook Moves

The rook moves in straight lines: up, down, left or right, as far as it likes.

Last updated

touch_appLearn it by doing: read the short explanation, then play it on the board.

Quick answer

The rook moves in a straight line along a rank or a file: forwards, backwards, left or right, as many empty squares as it likes. It cannot move diagonally and cannot jump over pieces. It captures by landing on an enemy piece in its path. A rook is worth about five pawns.

Step by step

The rook moves in straight lines along files and ranks, any number of squares. It can't jump over pieces. Rooks are strong: worth about 5 pawns.

Common mistakes

  • Jumping over a piece: a rook stops at the first piece in its way (and can capture it if it's an enemy piece).
  • Leaving rooks in the corners all game. Rooks are strongest on open files, with no pawns in front of them.
  • Moving a rook out early in the opening, where it gets chased by minor pieces. Develop knights and bishops first.

Tips from the lesson

  • Go straight up, then across.

Where you'll use this

Skewerarrow_forwardA skewer is a pin in reverse: you attack a valuable piece, it has to move out of the way, and you win the piece behind it.Discovered Attackarrow_forwardA discovered attack happens when one piece moves out of the way and uncovers an attack by the piece behind it.Back-Rank Matearrow_forwardA back-rank mate is a rook or queen giving check along the last rank while the king is boxed in by its own pawns.Hook Matearrow_forwardThe hook mate is a chain: a rook checks right next to the king, a knight protects the rook, and a pawn protects the knight.

FAQ

Can a rook move diagonally?add

No. Diagonal moves belong to the bishop (and the queen). The rook only moves straight along ranks and files.

How far can a rook move?add

Any number of empty squares in one direction, up to the edge of the board, in a single move.

Is a rook worth more than a bishop?add

Yes. A rook is usually valued at 5 points, a bishop or knight at 3. Winning a rook for a bishop or knight is called winning the exchange.

What is castling?add

A special move of the king and a rook together. It has its own rules: see the castling guide.