The king is the most important piece in chess - if it's captured, the game is lost! While not the most powerful piece, the king can move one square in any direction: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Watch as the white king demonstrates all its possible moves. Notice how it can move in all eight directions, but only one square at a time.

However, the king cannot move to squares where it would be in check. For example, in this scenario, the black pawns and the black king restrict the white king's movement. The pawns can attack diagonally, and the black king ensures that the white king cannot enter adjacent squares, as kings must maintain at least one square of distance from each other at all times. This rule ensures that the king remains safe while playing.