Getting Started with Chess
Chess is a fascinating game of strategy and foresight. This guide will introduce you to the basics you need to start playing and winning your first games.
The Chessboard
The chessboard consists of 64 squares in an 8x8 grid. The objective is to checkmate your opponent's king while protecting your own.
Basic Moves
- Pawns: Move forward one square, but capture diagonally.
- Rooks: Move vertically or horizontally, any number of squares.
- Knights: Move in an L-shape: two squares in one direction and then one square perpendicular.
- Bishops: Move diagonally, any number of squares.
- Queen: Combines the power of rooks and bishops. Move any number of squares along a rank, file, or diagonal.
- King: Move one square in any direction.
Special Moves
Castling
A special move to safeguard your king and activate your rook. Learn the rules and conditions for castling.
En Passant
A rare pawn capture that occurs immediately after a pawn moves two squares forward from its starting position. Discover when and how to use it.
Interactive Guide
Ready to learn through play? Try our interactive chess board below!