Queen

The queen moves any number of unobstructed squares along a rank, file, or diagonal.

The queen combines the movement of a rook and bishop. It cannot jump over another piece.

Move the queen

A queen can move along any rank, file, or diagonal until another piece blocks the route. It captures by stopping on an opponent's occupied square and cannot continue beyond it.

Move the queen from d4 along a rank, file, or diagonal.

The queen on d4 can reach every unobstructed square on eight lines.

Pieces stop the queen's path

A friendly piece ends the queen's path before its square. An enemy piece can be captured, but every square behind that piece is unavailable on the same move. The queen never jumps.

Qxd5: The queen captures the piece on d5.
Qh4+: The queen moves to h4 and gives check.

Early queen moves can cost time

The queen is powerful, but an early queen excursion can let the opponent develop a piece while attacking it. Moving the queen again spends another turn, so beginners usually develop minor pieces first unless the queen move has a concrete purpose.