Knight Tactics and Techniques Overview

One of the most characteristic tactics using the knight is the fork. When the knight can jump to a square where it threatens two pieces at once, it ensures that one of them will be captured. There are many opportunities to use a knight fork during a game, so keep a close eye on the board, and seize the chance to strike when you spot an opening!

The “Connecting Knight” tactic involves adding another knight to the jump point of an existing knight to disrupt your opponent’s formation. At first glance, it may seem like you’re just losing the added knight. However, if breaking down your opponent’s structure is more beneficial, using the Connecting Knight can be an effective strategy.

By sacrificing the knight, you can effectively break through the opponent’s defenses. The knight is the only piece that can jump over others, and this ability is crucial when the knight puts the king in check. In such situations, the only options for the king to escape are to move away or to capture the knight. Therefore, using the knight as a sacrificial piece can create opportunities for a quick checkmate by undermining the opponent’s defense vertically.

This is the most famous way to break down the Mino Castle, using the bishop in coordination with other pieces. When you have a bishop, knight, and either a gold or rook against the Mino Castle, it’s often an immediate checkmate. The key point is to position the bishop on a line that threatens the king, and then place the knight to secure the game.

The reserve knight refers to positioning the knight one step ahead to enable an effective jump on the next move. This tactic aims to disrupt the opponent’s formation or work in coordination with other attacking methods. It requires foresight, as its effectiveness increases over time.