The king must not have moved previously, and neither should the chosen rook. King and Rook Positions: Castling involves the king and one of the rooks on the player’s first rank.The rules of castling in chess are as follows: If you’re new to chess, it is essential to understand the rules and nuances of a significant move like castling in order to use it effectively in your games. The exact date of its introduction into the game is not known with certainty, but it is thought to have been developed over several decades as chess underwent various rule modifications and adaptations. The castling rule is believed to have originated in Europe during the late 15th century. Castling can also contribute to controlling the central squares, making it easier to dominate the board. This move serves as a vital measure to safeguard the king from threats in the center or on the initial file while also connecting the rooks, enhancing their potential for later use in the game. What Is Castling in Chess?Ĭastling is one of the unique and strategic moves in chess, which involves moving the king to a less exposed position behind a wall of pawns, with the king moving two squares toward the rook and the rook leaping over the king. Keep reading to learn more about the basics of castling, why castling out of check is prohibited, and how to get out of check legally. Players must make a different move to escape check, like blocking the attack, moving the king, or capturing the checking piece. So, why is castling out of check illegal?Ĭastling out of check is illegal because players might use it as a crutch to escape from difficult positions easily, going against the strategic nature of the game. However, there is an important restriction in castling that baffles many. Among its many rules and intricacies, the concept of castling is a vital one. Chess, a game of strategy and skill, has captivated the minds of enthusiasts for centuries.

Rules of castling