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Chess has an undeserved reputation as being a hard game to learn.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The basic rules are simple,
and you can learn to play chess quickly. The board is identical to a checkerboard,
with 64 squares of two alternating colors. Each player - there are only
two - receives sixteen playing pieces. One set is white, one set black.
White always moves first, and players change colors in ensuing games.
There are six chessmen and the chess piece names are as follows: - King, Rook,
Knight, Bishop, Queen, and Pawn.The chess pieces are pictured below as well as the
basic chess moves each is eligible to make.
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The King is the highest ranking Chess piece, and it can move one square at a
time in any direction. When the king is placed in jeopardy of being
captured, it is said to be in check and must be moved, or the checking
piece blocked by another piece. If the king is placed in check, and the
king cannot move to a safe square, and the danger cannot be blocked, or
the checking piece captured, the king is said to be in checkmate and the
game is over.
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The Rook, or Castle, can move one or multiple squares in a straight line
in any direction. There are two rooks per side, four total. It occupies the outside
square of the very back row, one on each side, one occupying a black
square and one occupying a red square of the chess board.
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There are also two Knights per side, four knights per chess set. The knight has
the most complicated move. It can move one square straight and one square
diagonal any direction. It is the only piece which can move around
another piece. The knight occupies the square right next to the rook
in the back row, again one on red and one on white.
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Bishops also number two per side, and can move one or multiple squares in any
diagonal direction. These are located right next to the knight in the
back row. These are the only pieces which occupy only one color square
during the entire game.
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The Chess Queen is the most powerful piece on the board, and each player has
one. It can move one or multiple squares, straight or diagonal. The
queen is located to the right of the king at the beginning of the game.
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The Pawn is the weakest piece, as it can only move forward one square at
a time. It cannot move backwards.On its initial move, it may move two squares.
There are eight pawns on each side and at the commencement of play the entire
second row
of the board is occupied by pawns. If you manage to advance a pawn to
your opponent’s last row of squares, it can be promoted to a piece of
any of the ranks above it, including the queen, regardless if you already
have one on the board.
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The basic strategy of the game is simple - capture the opponents King.
Pieces are captured by another piece taking its square and occupying it.
All pieces capture opponent’s pieces by moving in their designated
patterns, except the pawn. It can only capture diagonally, one square
forward from its position on either side.
As you can see the rules are not hard to learn. Mastering the many
strategies needed to be a Chess Master does require a lot of time and
energy, but you don't need to be a master to enjoy the game. Two equally
skilled opponents will undoubtedly have more fun than a master, because
they need not take the game so seriously. And really - who needs that
stress? Learn the game and enjoy it. It makes a great hobby.
You'll find Chess sets in a variety of styles and price ranges.
Inexpensive sets can be used for beginners, or used in recreational
situations. Magnetic sets find use in traveling by car or plane.
More ornate wood sets can double as accent or decorative additions to a
family room or den.
Have fun!
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