In the initial position the board is covered with 49 tiles. During play this number is bound to be reduced.
All play is on the tiles.
The King, if not in check, may move to the first tile he sees in any of eight directions as shown in the diagram on the left. If in check, the King is restricted to adjacent tiles. Anticipating on the warrior's move , the diagram on the right shows that pieces giving check from a distance therefore need no protection. It follows that the King can only capture an unprotected warrior on an adjacent tile. It follows that a King may protect a warrior it sees, as in the diagram below, where the black King, in check, has but one option.