ChessschoolKing of the Hill chess – win by reaching the centre
Four target squares turn the king into a piece you can use to attack.
How does this variant work?
Start from the usual position and use ordinary legal moves. You win immediately by moving your own king legally onto d4, d5, e4 or e5. Checkmate also wins.
What should you look for in your first game?
A king still cannot step onto an attacked square. Use a bishop or rook to defend a target square. For your own king, look for both a destination and a safe route to it.
Try it yourself
White legally plays Ke4. Does Black get a reply?
Show the answer
No. As soon as the white king reaches e4, White has won.
An easy rule to overlook
Your king can be close while every centre square is unsafe. Identify the piece covering the safest target and see whether you can drive it away.
Keep practising
Read the full rules · Read the related chess guide · See all variants