How to Play Chess

How2Play: Chess

Learn How to Play Chess – Rules & Beginner’s Guide

Ready to master Chess? This ancient board game is a fun way to build thinking skills, strategy, and patience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or want to brush up on the basics, this guide will get you started with confidence!

Chess is played on a square board with 64 squares and two sets of 16 pieces. The goal is simple: checkmate your opponent’s king while protecting your own!

Each player starts with pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, a queen, and a king. Each piece moves differently, and smart moves can lead you to victory.

Want to become a chess pro? Explore other classic board games and improve your strategy skills with How2Play!

Chess – Step by Step Rules

1. Set up the board so each player has a white square in the bottom-right corner.
2. Each player starts with 16 pieces: 1 king, 1 queen, 2 rooks, 2 knights, 2 bishops, and 8 pawns.
3. White always moves first. Players take turns making one move at a time.
4. Pawns move forward one square, but capture diagonally. Other pieces have special moves:
– Rook: Moves any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
– Knight: Moves in an "L" shape: two squares one way, then one square perpendicular.
– Bishop: Moves diagonally any number of squares.
– Queen: Moves in any direction, any number of squares.
– King: Moves one square in any direction.
5. The goal is to trap your opponent’s king in “checkmate,” where it can’t escape capture!

Chess is a game of logic, focus, and fun—great for all ages. Practice, learn new openings, and enjoy the journey from beginner to chess master!