Moving Chess Pieces on the Chess Board
Chess is a game of strategies. Strategies are put into effect successfully through proper chess piece movements. Hence, we have to know first about the proper ways of moving chess pieces on the chess board before we learn basic strategies. Here are some tips.
First, there are three main ways of moving chess pieces on the board: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. Except for the knight pieces, all chess pieces move horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Knight pieces move in the form of an "L" shape using three squares in a column or row and a fourth square left or right of the last square.
In chess, there's no going over or by-passing another piece except for knight pieces. All chess pieces, except for the knight pieces, cannot jump over another piece standing on their way on the board. For instance, a rook or tower can only move as far as a clear path allows it to. If, say, 7 squares ahead stands a pawn defended by another pawn, the rook can only travel 6 squares on that path. It cannot go over the pawn and move more than 7 squares or spaces that path or direction. Neither can it take the pawn because of an ally pawn defending it.
In the same example above, if the pawn in the way of the rook is not defended in anyway, the rook has only two movement options: travel just six spaces vertically towards the pawn and stop in front of it, or take it and stand on its place. This principle of moving chess pieces on the chess board goes for all pieces except for the knight. Thus, in opening plays, no major (king, queen, and rook) and minor (bishops) pieces—except knights (which are also minor pieces)—can be moved except when pawns in front of them are taken out of their way.
Knights have special moving abilities. Aside from performing unique "L" shaped movements in any direction, they are allowed to "jump over" or by-pass other pieces blocking their way. Thus, even when a king or queen is surrounded by blocking or protecting pieces, they can be "checked" or held to be taken by knights. Hence, knights often play vital roles in effecting checkmate strategies.
In summary, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal directions are basic ways of moving chess pieces on the chess board. This applies to all chess pieces except for knights. Knights do dodging "gallops" and can jump over and by-pass any chess piece standing in its way.