chess basics

How many squares are on the Chess Board?

64

What are the color of the squares on the chess board called?

Light and Dark Squares

How do you know where to line up your chess board?

Light square on right

We identify movements on the chess board by squares. Can you name and point out squares on the board?

algebraic grid: a1 is bottom left, h1 is bottom right, a8 is top left, h8 is top right

Can anyone name the pieces and how much they are worth?

Queen = 9; Rook = 5; Bishop = 3; Knight = 3; Pawn = 1

What square does the queen sit at the beginning of the game?

The queen sits on her color

Can you tell me the difference between the "kingside" and the "queenside" of the board?

Kingside is everything from the king to the right. Queen is everything from the Queen to the left.

Can you explain what a rank and file is in chess? Where is the first rank for white and black?

See diagram and Diagonal too.

Pawns can always move two spaces at a time. True or False?

False. They can only move two spaces on the individual pawn's first move. After that, they can only move one space at a time.

Pawns capture diagonally, do you have to capture if you are under attack or can or have an opportunity to capture in chess?

No. Remember CPR: When under attack you always have three options (C.P.R.) Capture, Protect, or Run.

Can pawn jump or push through another pawn or piece?

No.

Can you capture your own piece in chess?

No. That's an illegal move. Stop the clock (or raise your hand if untimed) and alert a tournament director.

What are controlling squares?

Chessmen "control" the squares that they attack, not the squares you sit on.

What is en passant?

The en passant rule is: (1) A player has a pawn on its fifth rank. (2) An opponent's pawn uses the double move to pass by the square on which it could have been captured by the player's pawn on its fifth rank. (3) The player can capture the opponent's pawn diagonally as if the opponent's pawn had moved only one square. En passant capture must be played immediately or never. En passant cannot be delayed.

What are the three ways to win a pawn game?

There are three ways to win the pawn game: (1) Get a pawn to the last rank first, (2) capture all of your opponent's pawns, or (3) reach a position when your opponent has no legal moves, but you have moves left. (Go for the quickest win!)

If neither player has a legal move because all of the pawns on the board are blocked, then the game is a "draw" (tie)

What is the touch-move rule in chess?

1) Players must move the first man they touch. 2) Players must capture any opposing man they touch. 3) Once they let go of the man, their turn is over.

You may adjust your pieces by saying "I adjust"

What is a passed pawn?

A pawn that cannot be blocked or captured by another pawn no matter how far it moves.