How the rook moves in chess
A free lesson from My Chess Family for children learning chess. Read it together, try each question on a real board, or print it out.
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Straight lines
This is a rook. It looks like a castle tower.
The rook moves in straight lines. Up, down, left or right, as far as it likes.
Try it 1. Point to every square the rook can move to.
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d5, d6, d7, d8, e4, f4, g4, h4, d3, d2, d1, c4, b4, a4
Try it 2. Move the rook to collect the star!
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1 move: Ra8
Try it 3. Now collect all the stars. Can you do it in 3 moves?
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3 moves: Ra5, Re5, Re8
Try it 4. Which piece is the rook? A: 
B: 
C: 
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B: the white rook
Catch with the rook
A rook captures by landing on an enemy piece. The piece is taken off the board.
Try it 5. Capture the black pawn!
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Rxd6
Try it 6. Here's a new position. There are two pawns. Capture the one your rook can reach.
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Rxa7
Well done! The rook is a strong piece. Next you'll meet the bishop.
Rook practice
Time to practise with the rook!
Try it 7. Collect both stars!
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2 moves: Rb7, Rg7
Try it 8. Collect all the stars. Use as few moves as you can!
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4 moves: Ra3, Rc3, Rc8, Rh8
Try it 9. New position. Which piece can your rook catch? Capture it!
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Rxd8
Try it 10. Here's another one. One pawn is guarded by another pawn. Catch the piece that isn't guarded!
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Rxh1
Try it 11. Last one! Collect all the stars in 3 moves.
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3 moves: Rh1, Ra1, Ra8
Great rook work!
Next: How the bishop moves in chess
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