How the rook moves
The rook moves any number of squares in a straight line, along a rank or a file, as long as nothing is in the way.
The rook's move, in plain words
The rook moves any number of squares in a straight line, along a rank or a file, as long as nothing is in the way. It is also involved in castling, the one move where the king and a rook move together.
What to remember
- Rooks are strongest on open files, with no pawns in front of them.
- A rook on the seventh rank, close to the enemy pawns, is very powerful.
- Two rooks on the same file or rank protect each other.
Common mistakes
- Moving a rook out too early before castling.
- Leaving a rook on a closed file, where pawns block it.
- Forgetting back rank mate: a rook can deliver it, and your own king can fall to it.
The rook is a Persian or a Bulldog
It stomps along the lines. Play the 3D game against the computer or a friend, free in your browser.
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The other pieces
Questions
How does a rook move?
Any number of squares in a straight line, forward, backward or sideways. It cannot jump.
How much is a rook worth?
About five pawns. It is worth more than a bishop or knight and less than a queen.
What is castling?
A move in which the king moves two squares toward a rook and the rook jumps to the other side. It is allowed once per game if neither piece has moved, the squares between them are empty, and the king is not in check, does not pass through check and does not land in check.