The rules of chess prevent certain actions during gameplay. You are not allowed to:
Illegal Moves in Chess
Chess rules are quite specific. Here's what you can't do:
- Moving into Check: You cannot move your King to a square where it is under attack by an opponent's piece (i.e., moving into check).
- Leaving Your King in Check: You must always address a check. You can't make a move that leaves your King under attack. This involves either moving the King out of check, blocking the check with another piece, or capturing the attacking piece.
- Making an Illegal Piece Move: Each chess piece has a defined way it can move. You can't move a piece in a way that violates its movement rules. For example, you can't move a Rook diagonally or a Knight one square forward.
- Moving Through Pieces (Generally): Most pieces (Rooks, Bishops, Queens) cannot move through other pieces. Knights are the only exception. Pawns also cannot move through pieces when advancing forward.
- Castling Illegally: Castling has specific requirements. You can't castle if:
- The King or the chosen Rook has previously moved.
- There are any pieces between the King and the chosen Rook.
- The King is in check, would pass through a square under attack, or would end up in check.
- Capturing Your Own Pieces: You cannot capture your own pieces.
Other Prohibited Actions
Besides illegal moves, there are other actions not permitted in a formal chess game:
- Taking Back a Move: Once a move is made and the piece is released, it cannot be retracted (unless agreed upon informally in a casual game).
- Touching a Piece With the Intention of Moving It, Then Moving a Different Piece: If you touch a piece with the intention of moving it, you must move that piece if a legal move is available for it. If none exist, you are free to make another move.
- Distracting Your Opponent: Actions meant to distract or annoy your opponent are generally frowned upon and, in formal settings, may be penalized.
In summary, chess has rules designed to ensure fair play and a logically consistent game. Violating these rules can lead to penalties or even loss of the game.
