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Moving, jumping and capturing

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the side to move where shown. Use a board if it helps, and explain your answer before checking the solutions.

Movement diagram: a white knight on d4. There are no kings; this is a piece-movement exercise, not a complete game. Movement diagram, not a complete game.
Movement diagram: a white knight on d4. There are no kings; this is a piece-movement exercise, not a complete game. Movement diagram, not a complete game.

  1. Can a rook on d4 reach d8 on an otherwise empty board?

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  2. Can a bishop on d4 reach g7 on an otherwise empty board?

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  3. Name all knight destinations from d4 on an otherwise empty board.

    ________________________________________________________________

  4. May a bishop jump over a friendly pawn?

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Final check

Ask pupils to name one difference between a rook and a knight.

Answers: Moving, jumping and capturing

  1. Can a rook on d4 reach d8 on an otherwise empty board?

    Yes, along the d-file.

  2. Can a bishop on d4 reach g7 on an otherwise empty board?

    Yes, along a diagonal.

  3. Name all knight destinations from d4 on an otherwise empty board.

    b3, b5, c2, c6, e2, e6, f3 and f5.

  4. May a bishop jump over a friendly pawn?

    No. A sliding piece stops before a friendly blocker.

Teaching note

Check that pupils stop sliding pieces at a blocker and never capture a friendly piece. Ask a knight mover to show two squares in one direction and one at a right angle.