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RulesLast Updated: 2026-01-19
Castling
"A special move involving the king and a rook, used to improve king safety and activate the rook."
Interactive Demonstration
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Visualizing the Concept
Use the interactive board to explore this position. Understanding Castling is much easier when you can visualize the pieces in action.
Current FEN
rnbqk2r/pppp1ppp/5n2/2b1p3/2B1P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R w KQkq - 4 4In-Depth Explanation
Castling is the only move in chess where two pieces are moved at once. To castle, the King moves two squares toward a Rook, and that Rook hops over the King to land next to it. It can only be done if neither piece has moved before, there are no pieces between them, and the King is not in check, does not pass through check, and does not land in check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I castle while in check?
No, you cannot castle if your king is currently in check.
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