Chess basics · 3 min read

Why can’t my king move there?

A king can move one square in any direction, but its destination must be safe. If a move is blocked, check who attacks the square before blaming the board.

1. The square is attacked

Your king cannot move into check. Look for a rook or queen along the same row or file, a bishop or queen on a diagonal, and a knight whose L-shaped move reaches the square. The opposing king also attacks every neighbouring square, so the two kings cannot stand beside each other.

2. You are in check already

Your next move must remove the check. You can move your king to safety, capture the checking piece if it is safe, or block a line attack. A knight’s check cannot be blocked. In double check, the king has to move.

You may capture an enemy piece with your king only if the destination will not be attacked afterwards. Removing a piece can uncover an attack from a rook, bishop or queen behind it.

3. The move is too far, or a friendly piece is there

Outside castling, a king travels just one square. It cannot land on your own piece. If you are trying to castle, the king and that rook must not have moved, the squares between them must be empty, and the king cannot be in check, cross an attacked square or finish on one.

4. It is not your move, or you are reviewing a game

A board showing a past position may be a review rather than an active game. Return to Play to make a move. Also check whose turn it is and whether the game has ended.

A quick habit for safer king moves

1. Identify the destination square.
2. Check diagonals and straight lines leading to it.
3. Check the opposing knights, pawns and king.
4. Imagine your king on that square, including any piece it captures. Is it still safe?

In Oh My Chess, select your king to see its legal destinations. Use “Show threats” when you want help reading the position. The rules stay the same even when you hide the hints.