How the queen moves in chess

How to play chess

How does the queen move in chess?

The queen is the strongest piece. She moves any number of squares in a straight line: along a row, along a column, or diagonally. She combines what the rook and the bishop do.

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The green dots show where the piece can go; a green frame is a capture.

The rules

The queen can move as far as she likes in any of the eight directions, as long as nothing is in the way.
She cannot jump over pieces (only the knight can).
She captures by moving onto an enemy piece.
She is worth about nine pawns, so do not lose her cheaply.

Common mistakes

Bringing the queen out too early, where she can be chased by smaller pieces.
Putting the queen where a cheaper enemy piece can capture her.

Remember

Any distance, any straight direction. Strong, but guard her.

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← How the king moves in chess · How the rook moves in chess →

All "how to play" pages · Tactics guides

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