What Does the Knight Represent in Chess?
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What does the knight represent in chess? The knight is one of the most powerful pieces in the chess game due to it being able to make some unique movements. The knight in chess is a piece that looks like a horse. It represents a knight who is mounted on horseback during battle.
The knight represents the guard of the King and his duty to do exactly that in chess too. A ‘knight’ in medieval times is a soldier who is given special honor and recognition for their characteristics of bravery and loyalty. They also receive castles and land to rule in the King’s name.
Kings long ago had many knights under their rule, but in chess, you get only two. On the chess board, the knight is situated between the bishop and the rook.
How does the knight move in chess?
The knight in chess is able to move in an L-shaped pattern which is unusual compared to the other straightforward movements of other chess pieces. The knight can move vertically or horizontally in any direction, then followed by one square in the other direction perpendicular to your movement.
Because of its L-shaped movement, the knight will always end up on a white square if it begins a movement from a black square. And if it starts on a white square, it will end up on black.
What is the knight’s worth in chess?
The knight in chess is the only chess piece that can jump over other pieces regardless of it being black or white. It can be a strong piece in the right situations. A knight is worth 3 points and is as valuable as a bishop.
Understanding the basics of the knight is important in chess, as it can help you make some powerful openings in the game. The knight’s movements can help you get the checkmate you want.
What is the best way to use the knight?
Every game of chess is different. But there are some important principles concerning your knight that will help you improve your strategy.
- Make the knight occupy the center of the board because they have limited movement compared to the bishop and rook. It can move only one piece at a time. Knights are most effective when they are at the center. A center position maximizes its possible moves. A knight at the corner of the board can only attack 3-4 squares, but when it’s at the center, it can attack 8.
- Keeping knights at the center will also make them relatively vulnerable to attack. So look for areas at the center where they cannot be attacked easily.
Center squares that are not easily attacked by the opponent are called outposts. Occupying your knight with a strong outpost, for example, within your opponent’s pawn structure, will cramp your opponent’s development and make your moves stronger.
- It is also advisable to develop the knight early. The knight in chess is the only piece that can be used before the pawns. A knight that is used early will also allow you to castle early in the game. Please refer to this article for what castling is in chess.
- A disadvantage of the knights is that they are very vulnerable to traps. A knight in a white square will end up in a black one. This could lead to the knight being captured due to its movements being limited.
- The knight’s unique movements allow it to make folks. A folk is when you attack two of your opponent’s pieces in a single move. If you own a black knight, it is possible for you to attack the King and queen at the same time.
What Does the Knight Represent in Chess? Summary
The knight in chess is the King’s guard and is symbolized by the chess piece shaped like a horse’s head. The knight is worth three points in chess. It is able to make some unique movements in the L-shape. And it is the only chess piece that can jump over pieces, whether black or white. The knight is a powerful piece, and it is important to develop the knight early for a strong start in your game.
Also read: What is the stalemate rule in chess?
*All pics are taken from Unsplash.com
