

In chess, each player takes turns to make a single move. The starting positions of the pieces in chess, showing each queen on the square matching her colour. If playing with an optional timer, as in tournaments, the first player to run out of time forfeits the game. The white player takes the first move, with players alternating single turns until a player is defeated via checkmate or resigns. This means that the king and queen of each colour face each other, making the correct setup symmetrical between the two players. The queen is placed on the square matching her colour (for example, the black queen on the black square), with the king occupying the remaining square of the opposite colour. The two central squares of the rank are occupied by the king and queen. The closer rank is nearly symmetrical, with rooks (also known as castles) placed on the two leftmost and rightmost corner squares, followed by knights on the inside space next to them, then bishops. the second row from the player’s perspective - consists of a line of eight pawns, each placed on a single square. Players’ pieces are set up in the two horizontal rows (known as ranks) closest to each player. When properly set up, a white square should be the rightmost square along the edge closest to each player. The 64 squares alternate between light and dark colours - traditionally, black and white. Who knows, perhaps this might be the first step on your path to becoming the next grandmaster.Ĭhess is played by two players on a chess board measuring eight-by-eight squares.

#Chess board layout how to#
Once you know the basics of how to play, you can learn new strategies, tactics and deepen your understanding of the game as you play, gradually refining your skill and experience. These are the pure basics to get you playing as quickly as possible, without worrying about timing your turns or defending against specific openings. While you’ll find everything you need to play a casual game of chess below, we haven’t gone into as much depth on advanced elements such as specific openings, board positions or tournament rules. This guide includes all of the basics you need to know when learning chess, from which square to place the queen on during setup to when to call “checkmate” and claim victory. Whether you’ve just rediscovered chess or are sitting down to play for the very first time, we’ve put together this beginner-friendly guide on how to play.
#Chess board layout free#
Feel free to customize the pieces with colors or paint. The board is a little larger, as it weaves together two sheets of paper, and the pieces are easy to assemble.

Most adults would find these chess sets lacking, especially if you’ve played on more robust sets before and are used to being able to pick up a piece and knock an opponent off the board.Ī free 3-D printable paper chess set template from designed by Gary French is the best option for most people. A stiff wind, rowdy pet or grumpy child could make a mess of things in short order. The chess pieces are flimsy and hard to move around the (woefully small) chess board. However, the quality of these sets leaves a lot to be desired. All you need is a functioning printer, some paper and a pair of scissors, and you can be playing chess in minutes. Sites like and offer free chess set templates. Not all of us have access to card stock at the moment, but don’t fret.
