Why can't i castle in this situation?

Question

Here is a picture.

http://wcdcxtest9.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/capture_08062008_174310.jpg

It's my turn (white), and i want to castle on the queen side, but it won't let me. Does anybody know why i can't castle in this situation?

Answer 1

The Rd7 would check you on d1 as your king crosses it.  Note: this only applies to the king.  If the rook get threatened on b1 (Where the king won't go) is irrelevant.)

Answer 2

For a castling move to be legal, the space the king is starting from (E1 in your example), the space the king is moving through (D1), and the space the king is moving to (C1) must all be unthreatened.  

In your example, black has a rook at D7 which is threatening D1; therefore, you can not castle queenside.

Answer 3

Don't do it. It looks like his rook will have you in check if you castle if you castle on the queen side, and you've already moved the other rook so castling is out of the question for the moment.

Answer 4

theres no problem in castling as i see it....

u mite have moved ur king or rook.....thats the best explanation i can gather....

Answer 5

You cannot castle after you have moved either your king or the rook which you will castle with.

Answer 6

It could be that you are in check, or will be in check if you move there

Answer 7

The King cannot pass past a space which is 'covered'!

Answer 8

you can't castle through check, into check or out of check