Chess is one of the oldest strategy games in the world. This guide teaches you everything you need to start playing today.
The Board & Pieces
The board has 64 squares. Each player starts with 16 pieces: 1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Rooks, 2 Bishops, 2 Knights, and 8 Pawns.
How Each Piece Moves
King ♔
Moves one square in any direction. If checkmated, the game ends — protect it at all costs.
Queen ♕
The most powerful piece. Moves any number of squares in any direction.
Rook ♖
Moves any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
Bishop ♗
Moves diagonally any number of squares. Each stays on one colour.
Knight ♘
Moves in an L-shape (2+1 squares). The only piece that jumps over others.
Pawn ♙
Moves forward 1 square (or 2 from its starting position). Captures diagonally.
Special Moves
Castling: Move your king 2 squares toward a rook; the rook jumps to the other side. Neither piece may have moved before, and the king cannot be in check.
En Passant: If a pawn moves 2 squares forward and lands beside your pawn, you can capture it as if it moved only 1.
Promotion: When a pawn reaches the far end, it promotes to any piece (almost always a queen).
How to Win
Win by checkmate — your opponent's king is in check and has no legal escape. Draw by stalemate, repetition, or the 50-move rule.
Ready to practice? Try the Newbie AI.