How to play Chess: A Simple Starter Guide

Chess is a two-player game of strategy and planning. The goal is to checkmate your opponent’s king, meaning the king cannot escape being captured. Here’s how to start:

1. The Chessboard

  • The chessboard has 64 squares, arranged in 8 rows and 8 columns.
  • The squares alternate between light and dark colors.
  • Place the board so each player has a light square in the bottom-right corner.

2. Setting Up the Pieces

Each player has 16 pieces:

  • 1 King: The most important piece (but not the strongest).
  • 1 Queen: The most powerful piece.
  • 2 Rooks: Look like castles.
  • 2 Bishops: Have slanted tops.
  • 2 Knights: Shaped like horses.
  • 8 Pawns: Small pieces in the front row.

Arrange the board:

  • Place the rooks in the corners.
  • Place the knights next to the rooks.
  • Place the bishops next to the knights.
  • Place the queen on her matching color (white queen on a light square, black queen on a dark square).
  • Place the king on the remaining square in the back row.
  • Line up the pawns in the row in front of the other pieces.

3. How the Pieces Move

Each piece moves differently:

  • King: Moves 1 square in any direction.
  • Queen: Moves any number of squares in any direction.
  • Rook: Moves any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
  • Bishop: Moves any number of squares diagonally.
  • Knight: Moves in an "L" shape (2 squares in one direction, then 1 square to the side). Knights can "jump" over other pieces.
  • Pawn: Moves 1 square forward (or 2 squares forward on its first move). Pawns capture diagonally.

4. Special Rules

  • Castling: The king and a rook can move together under certain conditions.
    • The king moves 2 squares toward a rook, and the rook moves next to the king.
    • Castling can’t happen if the king or rook has moved before or if there are pieces between them.
  • En Passant: A pawn can capture another pawn in a special way if it moves 2 squares forward from its starting position and lands beside an opponent's pawn.
  • Pawn Promotion: If a pawn reaches the opposite end of the board, it can become a queen, rook, bishop, or knight.

5. The Goal

  • Check: When your opponent’s king is under attack.
  • Checkmate: When the king is in check and cannot escape.
  • The game ends when one player checkmates the other’s king.

6. Starting the Game

  • The player with the white pieces moves first.
  • Players take turns moving one piece at a time.

7. Tips for Beginners

  • Protect your king by not leaving it exposed.
  • Develop your pieces (move your pawns, knights, and bishops early).
  • Control the center of the board.
  • Watch your opponent’s moves to plan your strategy.

With this guide, you’re ready to start playing! Chess takes practice, so keep playing and learning as you go.