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How to Move a King on a Chess Board

In chess the position of the king is always paramount. Maintaining king protection is the preferred method for ensuring your opponent cannot threaten your overall game development. However, the time may come when your strategy is interrupted and you may be forced to move your king. When this is the case it is important to retain some sense of control over your game and avoid blundering into a weak position.

Instructions

- 1
  Castle early in the game to shore up your king protection while opening up development for other pieces. Many experienced chess players will castle by their fourth or fifth move.
- 2
  Assess the danger your king faces before committing yourself to a move. Premature king movement can lead to disaster if you are not paying close attention to your opponent's strategy.
- 3
  Protect your king movement by taking pains to move other supporting pieces into play. Leaving a king exposed is a sure path to defeat.
- 4
  Remember that the king can be an aggressive piece and can complicate your opponent's attack if your move to threaten his pieces. This use of the king can be particularly effective late in the endgame.
- 5
  Work to achieve stalemate if your king is isolated and your opponent only has a few pieces capable of threatening checkmate. Often, a draw can be salvaged from what appears to be a perilous position.
- 6
  Surrender your king only when it becomes apparent that you have no move. Chess is a game of strategy, but it also requires grace as well.

Chess & Checkers