Chess is a fun and strategic game. It is played worldwide. To start playing, you need to set up the board correctly. This guide will help you place the pieces in the right spots.
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Credit: www.regencychess.co.uk
Understanding the Chess Board
The chess board is square. It has 64 small squares. These squares are in an 8×8 grid. They are black and white.
| B | W | B | W | B | W | B | W |
| W | B | W | B | W | B | W | B |
| B | W | B | W | B | W | B | W |
| W | B | W | B | W | B | W | B |
| B | W | B | W | B | W | B | W |
| W | B | W | B | W | B | W | B |
| B | W | B | W | B | W | B | W |
| W | B | W | B | W | B | W | B |
Each player gets 16 pieces. There are two players. One player is white, and the other is black.
Placing the Pieces
First, place the board so a white square is at the bottom-right. This is important. It ensures correct placement.
Placing Pawns
Each player has 8 pawns. Pawns are the smallest pieces. Place them on the second row from each player’s side.
- White pawns go on the second row from the bottom.
- Black pawns go on the second row from the top.
Placing Rooks
Each player has 2 rooks. Rooks look like small castles. Place them on the corners of the board.
- White rooks go on the bottom corners.
- Black rooks go on the top corners.
Placing Knights
Each player has 2 knights. Knights look like horses. Place them next to the rooks.
- White knights go next to the white rooks.
- Black knights go next to the black rooks.
Placing Bishops
Each player has 2 bishops. Bishops look like they have hats. Place them next to the knights.
- White bishops go next to the white knights.
- Black bishops go next to the black knights.
Placing The Queen
Each player has 1 queen. The queen is the tallest piece. Place the queen on the matching color square.
- White queen goes on the white square in the middle.
- Black queen goes on the black square in the middle.
Placing The King
Each player has 1 king. The king looks similar to the queen but has a cross. Place the king on the remaining square next to the queen.
- White king goes on the black square next to the white queen.
- Black king goes on the white square next to the black queen.
Double-Check the Setup
Before starting, double-check the setup. Make sure each piece is in the correct spot. The correct setup ensures a fair game.
Summary Table
| Piece | White Position | Black Position |
|---|---|---|
| Pawns | 2nd row from bottom | 2nd row from top |
| Rooks | Bottom corners | Top corners |
| Knights | Next to rooks | Next to rooks |
| Bishops | Next to knights | Next to knights |
| Queen | Middle white square | Middle black square |
| King | Next to queen | Next to queen |
Start Playing
Now the board is set up. You can start playing chess. Enjoy the game and have fun!
