Since the object of the game is to checkmate the King, it is the most important piece in the game of chess. The King moves one square in any direction. The King captures in the same way that it moves (moving the King one square to the square that the opponent’s pieces occupies and then removing the opponent’s piece) [Ref: Figures 4.1 & 4.2]. The King may never move into or through danger and the King may never be removed from the board. If a player makes a move that leaves or puts their King in danger, this is an illegal move. It must be taken back and a legal move must be played. The white King begins the game on e1 and the black King begins the game on e8.
Fun Activity:
Capture the Pawns – King: Set up your chess board as shown to the right and see if you can use the King to capture all of the pawns in the least number of moves possible.
BONUS: Great job! For an extra challenge, repeat the previous exercise but this time make sure that your King never steps into danger. Can you find a way to accomplish this in just 18 moves? Note: This requires an understanding
of topic 9.
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