Chess rules
How Does the Rook Move in Chess?
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The rook moves any number of squares in a straight line — horizontally along a rank or vertically along a file. It cannot move diagonally and cannot jump over pieces. Its conventional value is about five points, and it is the king’s partner in castling.
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Straight lines, any distance
A rook glides along the rows and columns of the board until something blocks it, capturing by landing on an enemy piece. From any square on an empty board it controls exactly 14 squares — seven along its rank and seven along its file. In a real position, open lines, entry squares, targets and safety matter more than the raw count.
Open files and the seventh rank
Rook activity often increases as pawns are traded and lines open. An open file contains no pawns, but occupying one is useful only if it gives an entry square or target. Doubling rooks or reaching the opponent’s second rank can create pressure when the rooks cannot simply be driven away or exchanged.
The castling partner and the back rank
The rook is one of the two pieces involved in castling, which can improve king safety and rook activity in one move. Rooks also deliver back-rank mates when a king has no flight square. In reduced material, begin with the exact king-and-rook checkmate and then study active-rook technique.