chess basics

Basic chess for beginners includes the basic rules (turn-taking, White moves first, pieces cannot pass through your own pieces except the knight, a touched piece must be moved), piece movements (pawn, knight, bishop, rook, queen, king), the objective of the game (checkmating the opponent’s king), piece values (pawn 1, knight/bishop 3, rook 5, queen 9), special rules (castling, en passant, pawn promotion), and opening strategies (controlling the center, developing pieces, and protecting the king). 1. Basic Rules of the Game Two Players: Played by two players, one controlling the white pieces and the other the black pieces. Turns: White always moves first, then players alternate turns. Touch-Move Rule: If you touch your own piece, you must move it if possible. If you touch an opponent’s piece, you must capture it. Objective: Checkmate (the opponent’s king is under attack and cannot escape). 2. Chess Piece Movements Pawn: Moves one square forward (two squares on its first move); captures one square diagonally forward. Knight: Moves in an “L” shape (two squares in one direction and one square perpendicular); the only piece that can jump over others. Bishop: Moves diagonally any number of squares; remains on the same color square throughout the game. Rook: Moves in straight lines (forward, backward, or sideways) any number of squares. Queen: Moves freely (straight or diagonal) any number of squares; the most powerful piece. King: Moves one square in any direction. 3. Special Rules Castling: A special move where the king and rook move together for king safety. En Passant: A special pawn capture when an opposing pawn advances two squares. Pawn Promotion: A pawn that reaches the last rank can be promoted to a queen, rook, bishop, or knight. 4. Piece Values (for Tactics) Pawn: 1 point Knight & Bishop: 3 points Rook: 5 points Queen: 9 points King: Priceless (determines victory). 5. Opening Strategy Control the Center: Dominate the central squares of the board (d4, e4, d5, e5). Develop Pieces: Bring knights and bishops out from the back rank. Protect the King: Castle early and place the king in a safe position. Avoid Unnecessary Sacrifices: Do not give up valuable pieces without sufficient compensation. By understanding these basics, you can start playing and gradually build a deeper understanding of the game over time.