# How does the knight move in chess?

The **knight** moves in an **L-shape** (two squares in one direction, then one square perpendicular) and is the only [piece](/content/chess/terms/how-every-chess-piece-moves/index.html) that can **jump** over other pieces. It always lands on the opposite square color from where it started, making it a uniquely unpredictable attacker.

Hopping in an L-shape over the bishop, the knight can capture all three stars in three moves.

## How do you take advantage of a knight's strengths?

The **knight**'s greatest strengths are its ability to **jump** over [pieces](/content/chess/terms/how-every-chess-piece-moves/index.html), its talent for creating [**forks**](/content/chess/terms/what-is-a-fork-in-chess/index.html), and its power in **closed positions**. Build your game plan around these three advantages and your **knight** will punch above its 3-point value.

- **Create forks.** The **fork** is the **knight**'s bread and butter. Look for chances to hop your **knight** to attack two or more enemy pieces simultaneously.
- **Thrive in closed positions.** When pawns block files and movement of other pieces is limited, your **knight** gains a huge advantage over enemy [bishops](/content/chess/terms/how-does-the-bishop-move-in-chess/index.html) and [rooks](/content/chess/terms/how-does-the-rook-move-in-chess/index.html).
- **Coordinate your two knights.** One **knight** can protect the other. They can set up double attacks on nearby squares.

The knight forks the black king and rook. The king must move, leaving the rook behind. Engine-verified position, [Elo](/content/chess/terms/what-is-elo-in-chess/index.html) 505.

## How do you defend against an opponent's knight?

The best defense against a strong enemy **knight** is to challenge it with a pawn, trade it off, or deny it good squares.

- **Push pawns to challenge it.** If an enemy **knight** lands on a strong square, check whether you can advance a pawn to attack it.
- **Trade it off.** If your opponent's **knight** is causing trouble, consider exchanging your own bishop or **knight** for it. This is especially smart when the enemy **knight** sits on a powerful **outpost** you cannot undermine with pawns.
- **Keep the position open.** Knights are weaker in **open positions** where long-range [pieces](/content/chess/terms/how-every-chess-piece-moves/index.html) like bishops, rooks, and queens dominate. If your opponent has a strong **knight**, try to open up the position by trading pawns.

## See it in action

### Example 1: The knight's L-shape

Capture three stars in three moves.

**Solution**: The white knight leaps two squares forward and one left to capture the first star, then one up, two left for the second, and lastly two down, one right.

### Example 2: The knight jumps over pieces

How to capture two stars in two moves?

**Solution**: The white knight jumps over the bishop one square down and two to the left, landing on a star. Then captures another star two squares down and one to the right.

### Example 3: Knight captures in two moves

Capture in two moves.

**Solution**: The knight leaps over the bishop two squares up, one right to capture the first star. Then one right, two down to capture the second.

## Frequently asked questions

Can the knight jump over other pieces?

Yes. The knight is the only [piece](/content/chess/terms/how-every-chess-piece-moves/index.html) in chess that can jump over both friendly and enemy pieces.

Why is the knight sometimes called a horse?

Many beginners call the knight "the horse" because the piece looks like a horse's head. The official name in chess is "knight."

Is the knight better than the bishop?

Neither piece is always better. Both are worth 3 points. The knight is stronger in closed positions with blocked pawns. The [bishop](/content/chess/terms/how-does-the-bishop-move-in-chess/index.html) is stronger in open positions with long diagonals.

How many squares does a knight control?

A knight in the center of the board controls up to 8 squares. On the edge, it controls 3 or 4. In a corner, it controls only 2.

Can a knight move backward?

Yes. The knight can move its L-shape in any direction: forward, backward, left, or right.

What is the knight worth in chess?

The knight is worth 3 points, the same as a bishop. Its value rises sharply in closed positions where it can jump over pawns that block other [pieces](/content/chess/terms/how-every-chess-piece-moves/index.html).