Corner piece on a chessboard
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 30, 2026
Stuck on the clue Corner piece on a chessboard from the New York Times Daily for March 30, 2026? We have the correct 4-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Corner piece on a chessboard (4)
Answer
The answer to Corner piece on a chessboard is Rook (4 letters).
Why does Rook fit this clue?
This is a direct definition clue where 'Corner piece on a chessboard' points to ROOK, one of the six types of chess pieces. A rook is a major piece that moves horizontally and vertically across any number of squares. In the standard starting position, rooks occupy the four corner squares of the chessboard, with each player having two rooks positioned at a1, h1, a8, and h8. The clue's reference to 'corner piece' specifically identifies the rook's distinctive starting location, distinguishing it from other powerful pieces like the queen or bishop.
What does Corner piece on a chessboard mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
corner
noun
•the place where two lines or surfaces meet at an angle
piece
noun
•a chess figure or game token used in play
chessboard
noun
•a board with 64 squares used for playing chess
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 45-across in the New York Times Daily on March 30, 2026, by Gary Cee, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.
Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.
NYT Daily — Mar 30, 2026
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What does Rook mean?
noun
•A European bird, Corvus frugilegus, of the crow family.
•A cheat or swindler; someone who betrays.
•A piece shaped like a castle tower, that can be moved only up, down, left or right (but not diagonally) or in castling.
•A castle or other fortification.
•A rookie.
•Mist; fog; roke
verb
•To cheat or swindle.
•To squat; to ruck.
•Pronunciation spelling of look.
Origin of the word Rook
•origin: Persian 'rukh'
•period: Medieval period via Arabic and Old French
The chess piece name comes from the Persian word for chariot, which was mistranslated through Arabic as it spread to Europe, leading to the castle-like appearance we know today.
How to use Rook in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Rook.
•“The rook starts the game positioned in the corner of the chessboard and can move any number of squares horizontally or vertically.”
•“She decided to castle early in the game, moving her king to safety behind the rook.”
•“After capturing his opponent's rook with her bishop, she gained a significant material advantage.”
What are other crossword clues for Rook?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 30, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Daily for March 30, 2026 was published by Gary Cee and has 78 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Corner piece on a chessboard
- What is the answer to Corner piece on a chessboard?
- The answer is Rook (4 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 30, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Corner piece on a chessboard have?
- The answer has 4 letters: Rook.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Daily — Mar 30, 2026
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provider
editor
Will Shortz
date
position
45 Across
answer length
4 letters