Can a Queen Move Like a Knight?  

can a queen move like a knight

Fun fact: A Queen can move like a King, Rook, and Bishop.

I know what you’re thinking now because most beginners do the same. They ask: can a queen move like a knight?

Let me answer this in one word–nope.  

No, a queen can’t move like a knight. If you’re wondering why, keep reading this blog to find out. Here, I have gone through every aspect of why a queen can’t move like a knight when it can clearly do anything on the chess board.

I have addressed every question related to this topic and explored every possible reason why it cannot.

Can a Queen Move like a Knight?

A queen Cannot move like a knight.

A queen can move any number of boxes at one go but only in one direction. Its pathway must be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, as highlighted in the below picture.

Can a Queen Move like a Knight?

Keep in mind that a queen cannot change the direction of its pathway. If it’s moving in a straightforward pathway, it has to continue doing so. In other words, a queen can’t move in two directions in a single move like a knight can.

A knight may not be the most powerful piece in chess like the queen but it’s unique in its movement. It moves in an L shape, changing its direction in a single move.

knight moves in L shape

For instance, a knight moves in horizontal direction, then takes a turn in a vertical direction in the middle of the same move.

How does a Knight Move?

Read about knight movements in detail.

Why can’t a Queen Move like a Knight?

The game of chess consists of 16 dark and light pieces and pawns. In total, there are 32 pieces and pawns with pieces representing different characters.

If you look at the nature of the game, it’s the rules and regulations that make the game an interesting one. Otherwise, it’s just a board with 32 chess figurines on it.

Amongst the chess rules, the primary one is about how the pieces move and how they can’t. The reality that a queen can’t move like a knight is one amongst those movement-related rules.

Go there to learn how does a Queen move in chess.

So, if a queen moves like a knight, it will do so only by breaking the rules. Let’s dive a little deeper into why a queen can’t move like a knight.

1. Because it’s against FIDE Rules

A queen can’t move like a knight because it’s against the FIDE rules.

FIDE or The International Chess Federation is an organization that has been regulating chess rules, tournaments, and events since its formation in 1924, in France.

Although the modern movement of the queen was in practice from the 15th century onwards, it wasn’t under any jurisdiction. It was the FIDE who officialized the movements of the pawns and pieces and related guidelines.

According to the Laws of Chess set by FIDE, the 3.4 section of Article 3: The moves of the pieces, a queen can move “to any square along the file, the rank or a diagonal on which it stands.”

Therefore, if you play a queen like a knight in L shape, it will be against the rules set by FIDE. In other words, it will be an illegal move, hence invalid. It can happen only in fairy chess.

What is fairy chess?

Fairy chess is a type of chess where rules and relations to movement of the pieces on the chessboard are altered to prove a point/theme.

2. Because a Queen CANNOT Jump like a Knight

Undoubtedly, a knight is famous for its L-shaped movements, but it’s even more popular for its capability to jump over other pieces and pawns.

Many beginners consider the knight a weak, minor piece. However, once you realize the power a knight can exert by jumping over other pieces and pawns, it will surely clear your misconception.

Dear reader, please note that the knight is the only chess piece that has the power and flexibility to jump over other figurines when making a move.

No matter how powerful a piece is–even if it’s a king or queen–it can’t take a pathway if there’s any piece/pawn on its way. But, this rule doesn’t apply to knights, even if the enemy king or other enemy piece is standing right next to the knight.

In simpler words, a knight can move in L shape pattern no matter what pieces/pawns are on its way. If its destined square is empty (or could be empty after an attack), it can move.

Contrastingly, a queen can’t do that. If there’s a piece/pawn on its diagonal or straightway pathways, it can’t move.

Therefore, a queen can’t move like a knight.

Wondering if a pawn can move like a knight?

Explore “How does Pawn Move in Chess” to learn about pawn promotion and other special rules.

FAQs

Can a Queen jump over a knight?

No, a queen can’t jump over any pawn or piece in chess. The pathway must be clear for a queen to move, unlike a knight.

So, a queen can’t jump over a knight.

What can the Queen actually do?

The queen can move in a straight line and in diagonal directions with as many squares as you want. It’s the most powerful piece in the game of chess.

To learn more about the queen, read How does a queen move?

How can I take a queen move?

According to FIDE rules, you can play the queen to any number of squares you want along the rank or the file or in diagonal pathways. This is how you take a queen to move.

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Conclusion

As you read above, to conclude, it’s safe to say that a queen doesn’t move like a knight. However, this doesn’t affect the queen’s value at all. It was, and it is, the most powerful chess piece.

Therefore, dear readers, I suggest beginner chess players memorize how does queen move. Then, go ahead and learn the tactics you can imply during a chess game using the queen.

Until next time!

Learn How to Use the Queen during an Endgame

Read “Chess Endgame Strategies” to find out.

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