Chess is one of the world’s oldest and most beloved strategy games, played by millions across the globe. Whether you’re just starting out or want to understand the basics before diving into a match, this guide is perfect for you.
Let’s break down everything you need to know to start playing chess confidently!
Objective of the Game
The goal in chess is simple: Checkmate your opponent’s king. This means putting their king in a position where it is under attack and cannot escape capture.
Chessboard and Setup
- The chessboard is made up of 8 rows (ranks) and 8 columns (files), creating 64 squares in total.
- The squares alternate between light and dark colors.
- Always place the board so that a white square is on your bottom-right corner.
Starting Position:
- Back rank (Row 1 for White / Row 8 for Black):
- Rook – Knight – Bishop – Queen – King – Bishop – Knight – Rook
- Front rank (Row 2 for White / Row 7 for Black):
- 8 Pawns
Tip: The Queen goes on her own color (white queen on white, black queen on black).
Chess Pieces and How They Move
Here’s a quick overview of each piece and how it moves:
1. Pawn
- Moves forward 1 square, but captures diagonally.
- On its first move, a pawn can move 2 squares forward.
- If a pawn reaches the opposite end of the board, it promotes (usually to a Queen).
2. Rook
- Moves any number of squares in a straight line, horizontally or vertically.
3. Knight
- Moves in an L-shape (two squares in one direction, then one square perpendicular).
- The only piece that can jump over other pieces.
4. Bishop
- Moves diagonally for any number of squares.
5. Queen
- Combines the powers of the rook and bishop: moves any number of squares in any direction.
6. King
- Moves one square in any direction.
- The most important piece—lose it, and the game is over.
Special Moves in Chess
1. Castling
- A move involving the king and rook.
- The king moves two squares toward the rook, and the rook jumps over the king.
- Conditions:
- Neither piece has moved.
- No pieces between them.
- The king cannot be in or move through check.
2. En Passant
- A special pawn capture that happens when an opponent’s pawn moves two squares forward from its starting position and lands beside your pawn. You can capture it as if it had only moved one square.
3. Pawn Promotion
- When a pawn reaches the opposite side of the board, it can be promoted to any piece (except a king), typically a queen.
What is Check and Checkmate?
Check:
Your king is under attack. You must make a move to get out of check.
Checkmate:
Your king is in check, and you cannot make any move to escape it. Game over—you lose.
How a Game Can End
- Checkmate: One player wins.
- Draw: The game ends in a tie due to:
- Stalemate
- Threefold repetition
- 50-move rule (no pawn movement or capture in 50 moves)
- Insufficient material to checkmate
Final Thoughts
Chess may seem complex at first, but once you understand the rules and strategy, it becomes an incredibly rewarding game. Take your time, practice regularly, and don’t worry if you lose a few games early on—that’s part of learning!
Start with the basics, play often, and soon you’ll be thinking like a grandmaster.