MentoChessGet the app

Long-range pieces: rook, bishop and queen

Level: Foundation (under 400)Topic: Rules & board25 minutes

In short

The rook moves any number of squares along a file or rank. The bishop moves any number of squares along a diagonal and therefore stays on one colour for the whole game.

By the end you can

The lesson

The rook moves any number of squares along a file or rank. The bishop moves any number of squares along a diagonal and therefore stays on one colour for the whole game. The queen combines both: she moves like a rook or like a bishop, which makes her the strongest piece.

None of these pieces can jump over other pieces. A piece standing in the way blocks the line. If the blocking piece belongs to the opponent, it can be captured by moving onto its square.

A good beginner habit: after every opponent move, look along the lines of your long-range pieces. Is there something to capture for free? Is one of your own pieces now sitting on a line the opponent controls?

Key points to remember

Examples

h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Example 1 (Black to move). A piece is left unprotected. Which long-range piece can take it? (Lichess puzzle 0CweW, rated 545)
Show the solution

38... Kxg6 39. Rxc3 Rxc3

a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Example 2. From d4 the rook controls the whole d-file and the 4th rank — 14 squares.
Show the moves

1. Rd7

Practise it

Solve puzzles on this idea: hanging piece puzzles.

Homework

Play a “rooks and pawns only” mini-game twice with a family member.

More rules & board lessons