The Knight


The Knight moves neither in rank nor file nor diagonal and,
therefore, usually offers a little more difficulty to the
beginner than the other pieces. The Knight's move is perhaps best
described as a leap to the next but one square of different
color.[Footnote: It may be helpful to consider the Knight's move
when completed as having described a letter "L" composed of four
squares, three in one direction and one at right angles to them.]
For instance, in Diagram 2 the Knight may move to d8, d6, e5, g5,
h6 and h8. In moving to d6 he would capture the Queen.

His move would be in no way obstructed if some of his own or his
adversary's men were occupying the squares next to the one on
which he stands. This enables the Knight as the only one of the
pieces to move at the beginning of the game before any Pawn move
has been made.

The strength of the Knight is ordinarily regarded as about equal
to that of the Bishop. The latter's range is larger but the
Knight has the advantage of being able to reach any square of the
board regardless of color.


The Pawn


It remains to describe the move of the Pawn, the only man who