Out-maneuver the opponent's pieces, defend your King, and achieve Checkmate.
1. Pawns & Knights
Pawns move 1 step forward (or 2 from rank 2), capturing 1 square diagonally. Knights leap in L-shapes (2x1 squares) and can jump over blocking pieces.
2. Bishops & Rooks
Bishops slide diagonally any number of empty squares. Rooks slide straight along rows or columns. Both capture by landing on the opponent's square.
3. Queens & Kings
The Queen is the most powerful piece, sliding any distance in any straight/diagonal direction. The King moves exactly 1 square in any direction.
4. Checkmate
You cannot make a move that leaves your King under threat (Check). Escape threat by moving, blocking, or capturing. Checkmate wins the game!