Expert: Chuck Kinzie - 8/14/2010

Question
Can we kill all pieces except a pawn and a king?

Answer
Hi Dane!  Thanks for your question.

I assume you're asking about capturing pieces and pawns.  (I think that is what you meant by "kill.")

You can capture any piece or pawn, except for the King.  Checkmate occurs when the King is in check and he has no legal moves.  If that situation arises, then the game is automatically over.  That is, you don't actually capture the King like you would the other pieces and pawns.

I hope that I understood your question correctly, and that it was answered to your satisfaction.

Enjoy your chess!

Your chess friend,

Chuck