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Piece Values

Every piece has a value in pawns. Piece values help you judge whether a trade is good or bad.

Values on the board

White queen is on e5 and Black rook is on e6. The queen is worth 9 points and the rook is worth 5 points, so capturing the rook wins material.

FEN: 4k3/8/4r3/4Q3/8/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . r . . . 6
5 . . . . Q . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . K . . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Minor pieces

White knight is on d4 and Black pawn is on e6. The knight is worth 3 points and the pawn is worth 1 point, so the knight should not trade itself for the pawn.

FEN: 4k3/8/4p3/8/3N4/8/8/4K3 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . p . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . N . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . . . . K . . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Two minor pieces beat a rook

Two minor pieces are worth 6 points together. A rook is worth 5 points, so two minor pieces are usually worth more than one rook.

FEN: 4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/1N2KB2 w - - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 . . . . k . . . 8
7 . . . . . . . . 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 . . . . . . . . 2
1 . N . . K B . . 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A pawn is worth 1 point. A knight is worth 3 points and a bishop is worth 3 points.
  • A rook is worth 5 points. A queen is worth 9 points.
  • The king has no point value. The king cannot be traded, because losing the king loses the game.
  • Values are a guide, not a rule. A piece in a good place can matter more than its point value.
  • Count the values before a trade. A trade that wins points is usually a good trade.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White queen captures an undefended Black rook. How many points does White win?