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The King Hunt

A king hunt chases the enemy king across the board with checks. Each check forces the king to a worse square.

A king hunt with queen and rook

The queen gives check from e2. The king runs to d8. The rook gives check from d1. The king runs to c8. The rook gives check from c1. The king is hunted across the board.

FEN: 4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/R2Q2K1 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 R . . Q . . K . 1
  a b c d e f g h

A king hunt in the other direction

The queen gives check from e2. The king runs to f8. The rook gives check from f1. The king runs to g8. The rook gives check from g1. The checks keep coming from a new square each time.

FEN: 4k3/8/8/8/8/8/8/R2Q3K 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 R . . Q . . . K 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • A king hunt starts when a king loses its pawn shield.
  • Checks force the king to move, so it cannot defend.
  • The hunting pieces take turns giving check.
  • The king is chased toward the edge or the centre.
  • A king hunt ends in mate or in winning material.
  • A king hunt needs at least two checking pieces.
  • Never let the king escape the checks by capturing a hunter.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

White to move. Which move starts the king hunt?