How do rooks and bishops move?
Rooks and bishops are the two sliding pieces, and between them they cover every line on the board.
A rook moves any number of squares in a straight line — up, down, left or right along the ranks and files. A bishop moves any number of squares diagonally. Neither piece can jump: the first thing in its path stops it, and if that thing is an enemy piece, it can be captured.
One consequence catches beginners out. Because a bishop only ever moves diagonally, it stays on the colour of square it started on for the whole game. That is why the two bishops working together — one on light squares, one on dark — are so much stronger than either alone.
- Rook: any number of squares along a rank or file.
- Bishop: any number of squares along a diagonal.
- Neither can jump over another piece.
- A bishop never changes square colour.
- A rook is worth about five pawns; a bishop about three.
Practise on a real board
4 short exercises. Nothing to install and no account needed — make the move on the board and the lesson checks it for you.
More about this
Can a rook or bishop jump over pieces?
No. Only the knight can jump. A rook or bishop is blocked by the first piece in its path — it can capture an enemy piece standing there, but cannot pass through it.
Why is a rook worth more than a bishop?
A rook can reach every square on the board given enough moves, while a bishop is permanently limited to one colour — half the squares. That flexibility is worth roughly two extra pawns.
What is a bad bishop?
A bishop hemmed in by its own pawns sitting on the same colour squares. It has few squares to move to and little influence, which is why experienced players put their pawns on the opposite colour to their bishop.
Lessons are the start. The coaching is the point.
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