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Chess Piece Value Chart
Chess pieces have relative values according to points that help to estimate each of them. Such info is useful for deciding whether to exchange pieces, estimate changes and even as computer programs estimate positions But those points do not decide the victory. Chess intends to give mate, not seize most pieces.
Normal points instruct newcomers already for centuries. Pawn has 1 point, knight 3 points, bishop likewise 3. Rook is 5 points, queen 9.
Chess Piece Values Explained
King values the whole game. Piece values are not part of rules, but help with exchanges.
Queen can move all along the whole line horizontally, vertically or diagonally. It combines moves of rook and bishop, simple way to reclal that. Rook shines on open line.
This system forms bases to escape loss of material. Player that knows values of rook (5) and bishop (3) will not exchange them without other reasons. Piece values form base for new players.
Knight is strong thanks to jumps over pieces, especially in closed positions with blocked pawns. Here it moves easily, while others suffer. Books mostly estimate bishop in 3½, because it commonly beats knights in finals and centre-games.
Bishops shine more if you have both, while opponent lost or exchanged them. New computer analysis shows equality between knights and bishops, around 3,25 pawns.
Masters offered various ratings: some lower knight to 2½, raise bishop or queen until 10. Piece values are only guesses, simple rules from experience of many games over years. Pawn was set to 1 because of its evident weakness.
Bishop behind own pawns is worth less than pawn blocking mate. Each piece value alters at every move; position matters alot. So take those ratings with a grain of salt and recall: strongest piece gives mate.
