The knight is a unique piece in chess with a special way of moving. It moves in an L-shape pattern: two squares in one direction (horizontally or vertically) and then one square perpendicular to that direction.

Watch as the white knight demonstrates its movement pattern. Notice how it can jump over other pieces - this is the only piece in chess with this ability! In this position, the black pawns don't block the knight's movement, making it especially valuable in crowded positions.

A knight on any square can reach exactly eight different squares (fewer if it's near the edge of the board). This predictable pattern makes knights excellent tactical pieces, often used for forks (attacking two valuable pieces at once) and surprise attacks. Unlike bishops, knights can reach any square on the board, regardless of its color.