The Knight
The Knight does not move by rank, file, or diagonal. Therefore, it usually offers a little more difficulty to the beginner than the other pieces. It may be helpful to consider the Knight's move when completed as having described a letter "L" composed of four squares, three in one direction and one at right angles to them. For instance, in the following diagram, the Knight may move to d8, d6, e5, g5, h6 and h8. In moving to d6 he would capture the Queen.
His move would be in no way blocked if some of his own or his adversary's men were occupying the squares next to the one on which he stands. This enables the Knight to be the only one of the pieces to move at the beginning of the game before any pawn has moved.
The strength of the Knight is ordinarily regarded as about equal to that of the Bishop. The Bishop's range is larger but the Knight has the advantage of being able to reach any square of the board regardless of color.
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