Rook

The rook moves any number of unobstructed squares along a rank or file.

Rooks often become more active after central files open. A rook also participates in castling with the king.

Move the rook

A rook moves horizontally or vertically through any number of empty squares. A blocker stops the line, and the rook captures only the first enemy piece on that line.

Move the rook from d4 along the fourth rank or d-file.

The rook controls straight lines but no diagonal squares.

Rooks need open lines

Rooks begin behind their own pawns, so their range is limited at first. Exchanges or pawn advances can open a file, after which a rook can pressure several squares without moving again.

The rook also moves during castling

Castling is recorded as a king move, but it relocates both the king and one rook. It is the only legal chess move in which two pieces change squares at once.