Capturing and Check
Start Here beginner branch
Most captures follow a piece's normal move pattern, while pawns are special because they move forward but capture diagonally forward; check means the king is under attack right now.
Why This Matters
- Most pieces capture by using the same move pattern they normally use, except the destination square has an enemy piece on it.
- Pawns are special: they move straight forward, but they capture one square diagonally forward.
- The square a piece attacks is important even if no piece is standing there yet.
- Check is special because a king under attack must be rescued on the very next move.
Objectives
- Capture by moving onto a square occupied by an enemy piece with a legal move pattern.
- Spot attacked squares and notice when a king is in check.
- Say the difference between a regular move and a move that checks the king.
Guided Interactive Lesson
Step 0 of 7
Try to play move 1:(Expected idea from lesson line)
Lesson Line
- e4
- e5
- Bc4
- Nc6
- Qh5
- Nf6
- Qxf7+
Practice Positions
Find the move yourself — the answer stays hidden until you solve it or reveal it.
Practice 1 of 3
Capture the knight on e5 with your queen. The capture also gives check.
Practice 2 of 3
Move onto the enemy knight's square and capture it safely.
Practice 3 of 3
Find the rook move that checks the black king.
Mini-Game
Play a few moves and say out loud when you are capturing something or giving check. If neither happens, say "quiet move."
Printable Move-by-Move Boards
Print one board per step to review the full sequence offline.
Open printable version