The king in chess is a paradox. On the one hand, it’s the most important piece on the board—checkmate it, and the game ends. On the other hand, it’s often seen as a fragile monarch, tucked away in a castle of pawns, hiding from the chaos of battle. But here’s the twist: the king isn’t just a target. It’s also a weapon.
Yes, the king can attack. And when it does, it’s a sight to behold. This article will show you how the king can join the fight, when it’s appropriate, and why this seemingly vulnerable piece has more bite than you think.
The King’s Combat Abilities
You know the king is priceless, but it has some abilities as well. The king moves one square in any direction: forward, backward, sideways, or diagonally. While this might not seem like much compared to the queen’s sweeping power or the knight’s acrobatics, it’s enough to make the king a capable attacker under the right circumstances.
What Can the King Attack?
- Pawns and Pieces: The king can capture any opposing piece or pawn, provided it’s not defended by another piece.
- Squares: By moving to certain squares, the king can exert control over key areas of the board, limiting your opponent’s options.
Remember, the king can’t step into a square where it would be in check. So while it can attack, it must do so with caution, like a lion stalking its prey.
When Does the King Attack?
The king’s offensive role evolves throughout the game:
1. In the Opening and Middlegame
During the early phases and even the middlegame, the king is more of a liability than a fighter. Its primary duty is survival, which usually means castling to safety and staying out of harm’s way. Trying to involve the king in an attack during this stage is like sending a child into a battlefield, not a good idea. There are exceptions, of course, and you will see later in this article.
2. In the Endgame
The endgame is where the king truly shines. With fewer pieces on the board, it’s safer for the king to step into the fray and become an active participant. A king in the endgame can:
- Chase pawns: A well-placed king can hunt down enemy pawns before they promote.
- Support your own pawns: March your pawns up the board with the king as their bodyguard.
- Control critical squares: In a game of inches, a king on the right square can make or break your strategy.
The King’s Attack in Action
Let’s look at a basic endgame scenario. It’s Black to move.
The only way for Black to draw is 1…Kd4, using the King to track back and hunt the pawn.
Another example is the king and pawn vs. king endgame. Here, your king’s ability to attack the opposing king’s position and escort your pawn to the finish line is the deciding factor.
Kings That Dared to Fight
History is filled with examples of kings leading the charge, and this one might be the best of them all. The following game comes from the 1991 Interpolis Tournament. We have Nigel Short playing as White against the very strong Dutch Grandmaster Jan Timman, who is playing as Black. Let’s look at the middlegame, to see exceptional Short’s plan.
This game reminds us that the king isn’t just a helpless figurehead—it’s a piece with real power when used correctly.
Tips for Using the King Aggressively
If you want to unleash your inner warrior king, keep these principles in mind:
- Timing is Everything: Don’t expose your king too early. Wait until the board has cleared and the risk of a sudden attack has diminished.
- Stay Protected: Even in the endgame, keep an eye out for potential threats. The king can’t fight if it’s running for its life.
- Be Bold in the Endgame: Once the coast is clear, don’t hesitate to bring your king to the front lines. A strong, active king can decide the game.
- Coordinate with Other Pieces: The king is strongest when it works in tandem with pawns and other pieces. Alone, it’s limited. Together, it’s unstoppable.
The King’s Secret Weapon: Psychological Impact
There’s something demoralizing about seeing your opponent’s king march confidently across the board. It signals that they’re in control, turning what should be a passive piece into an active threat. This psychological edge can be as valuable as any tactical advantage. Once the queens are gone, don’t be afraid to advance your king—it’s a critical endgame principle.
Conclusion
Can the king attack? Absolutely. But it’s not just about capturing pieces—it’s about seizing the moment and asserting dominance when the time is right. The king’s power lies in its timing, precision, and ability to turn the tide in critical positions.
So the next time you’re in an endgame, don’t underestimate your king.
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2200 in chess.com.