Learning Chess

Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly guide on how to play chess: --- ♟ 1. Objective of the Game The goal is to checkmate your opponent’s king. Checkmate means the king is under attack (check) and cannot escape. --- ♟ 2. Chess Board Setup The board has 64 squares (8×8). Place the board so that white square is at the bottom-right. Second row is filled with pawns. Back row (left to right): Rook, Knight, Bishop, Queen, King, Bishop, Knight, Rook Queen goes on her color (White Queen on white square, Black Queen on black). --- ♟ 3. How Each Piece Moves King Moves one square in any direction. Most important piece – protects carefully. Queen Moves any number of squares in any direction. Rook Moves straight (up, down, left, right) any number of squares. Bishop Moves diagonally any number of squares. Knight Moves in an L-shape (2 squares in one direction + 1 perpendicular). Knight can jump over pieces. Pawn Moves forward 1 square, but: First move can move 2 squares Captures diagonally Cannot move backward --- ♟ 4. Special Rules Castling King + rook move at the same time. Used to protect king. Two types: King-side castling Queen-side castling You can castle only if: King and rook have not moved No pieces between them King is not in check En Passant A special pawn capture when an opponent pawn moves 2 squares. Pawn Promotion If a pawn reaches the opposite end, it is promoted to: Queen (usually) Rook Bishop Knight --- ♟ 5. How the Game Ends Check King is under attack – must escape. Checkmate King cannot escape → you win. Stalemate (Draw) King is not in check but has no legal moves. Other draws: 3-fold repetition 50-move rule Insufficient material --- ♟ 6. Basic Strategy for Beginners Control the center squares. Develop pieces early (Knights and Bishops). Castle early to protect your king. Don’t move the same piece many times in the opening.