Roadmap for Chess Beginners #3 - Chess Board and Algebraic Notation

The board is composed of 64 squares. 32 light squares and 32 dark squares make up the board. Rows are called ranks. Columns are called files. Diagonals are called diagonals.

The numbers and letters on the side of the board represent algebraic notation when combined. They are coordinates for where pieces are on the board. For example: a1, b3, b8, c8, h8, h1, d3, etc. Black pieces are always placed in the seventh and eighth ranks. The white pieces are always placed on the first and second rank.

This part is very important.

Playing from the black side does not change the A file (column) to the leftmost side of the board because the H file is on the leftmost side of the board. So the A file doesn't change its placement from black's perspective. a8 will always be right across white's a1 for black's perspective. h8 for Black will always be right across white's h1 and so on.

I can imagine my explanation is confusing so pay close attention to the board and the placement of the letters and numbers on the side of the board. This is where the letters and numbers are placed when viewing the board from White's perspective. 

Here is a video link if the explanation is still confusing. This video also teaches you about chess notation which is a language that chess players use to record their moves. Chess notation is prevalent in all forms of media so it is important you learn it.

Here is the thumbnail picture

The next blog post will teach you how the pieces move.