How to play chess - Chess notation, terms, and basic rules

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia

Learn how to play chess with clear beginner guidance covering the chessboard setup, the alternating light and dark squares, and the basic start rule that each player places a light square in the lower right corner. Master algebraic chess notation for recording moves, including piece letters, captures (x), check (+/ch), and checkmate (#/++!). Understand core chess terms such as files, ranks, and diagonals, plus how key pieces and pawns move and capture.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

THE CHESSBOARD IS YOUR KINGDOM

Chess Notation

How To Read and Write Chess Moves

Chess Terms-Files, Ranks and Diagonals

How the Chessmen Move

How the Pawn moves and captures

How to play Chess By Michael Crowe Distributed free to schools by Scholastic Chess Ireland How to play chess Page 2 THE CHESSBOARD IS YOUR KINGDOM Chess was invented long ago. the names we use for the pieces date from the Middle Ages. In those days kingdoms were ruled by Kings and Queens. They lived in castles and had Bishops to advise them. They also had brave Knights to defend them. Even the peasants helped to defend the kingdom. This is a chessboard. It has alternating light and dark squares. All chessboards have the same pattern of light and dark squares. There are sixty four squaresin all on a chessboard. A basic rule is that you must set up a chessboard in a particular way when you start to play. Each player must have a light square in the lower right corner. REMEMBER: Light on the right! Chess Notation All new players should learn to keep score using what is called "algebraic"notation. In the diagram above, you will notice that the board includes the numbers 1-8 along the left edge and the letters "a" - "h" along the bottom the board. We can use the combination of one letter and one number to describe each square on the board. The square in the bottom left hand corner is called“a1”. This is fully explained in detail on page 3 overleaf. How to play chess Page 3 How To Read and Write Chess Moves All new players should learn to keep score using what is called “algebraic” notation. In the diagram that follows, you will notice that the board includes the numbers 1-8 along the right edge and the letters “a” - “h” along the bottom of the board. We can use the combination of one letter and one number to describe each square on the chessboard. The important thing to remember is how to identify the pieces you are moving. You just need to use a single For example, the white King begins the game on e1 . The black Rooks begin the game on a8 and h8 . If I begin the game by pushing the pawn in front of the King two squares, we can describe the move as e2-e4, or simply e4 . Moving the Knight on g1 to f3 would be written g1-f3 or more simply Nf3 . An “x” is used to show that a capture has taken place. For example, Nxe4 means that the Knight moves and captures whatever was on e4 . You don’t necessarily need to include “check” in your scoresheet, but you can easily do this with “ch” or just “+”. For mate many players use “\#”. capital letter: K: King Q: Queen R: Rook B: Bishop N: Knight Note that “P” is not used. Chess players have agreed that a move without a letter-such as e4-is understood to bea pawn move. You are almost ready to start using chess notation. Just pay attention to the following symbols: X O-OO-O-O + Take or capture Castles Kingside Castles Queenside Check \# or ++! ? ?? Checkmate Good move Bad move Blunder Let’s put into practice what we’ve just learned. We will use the famous Scholar’s Mate”. How to play chess Page 4 Chess Terms-Files, Ranksand Diagonals Files are the rows of squares that run up and down the chessboard. Ranks are the rows of squares that run across the chessboard. Diagonals are the rows of squares that run at a slant on the chessboard. Some simple rules regarding the chessmen: Chessmen (pieces and pawns) can do either of two things: 1. They can move to vacant (empty) squares. 2. They can capture enemy chessmen. Note the only piece that can never be captured is the King. When an enemy chessman is taken, the piece or pawn that captures it takes its place on the board. More about Notation. For example, the White King begins the game on e1 . The Black Rooks begin the game on a8 and h8 . If we begin the game by pushing the pawn in front of the White King two squares, we can describe this move as e2-e4, or simply e4 . Moving the Knight on g1 to f3 would be written g1-f3, or more simply as Nf3 . This will become clear later, don’t worry about it now. An "x" is used to show that a capture has taken place. For example, Nxe4

FAQs

How should you set up a chessboard at the start of a game?

Each player must have a light square in the lower right corner. The board alternates light and dark squares, and there are sixty four squares in total.

What is algebraic notation in chess and how do you write moves?

Algebraic notation uses a letter and a number to name squares (like a1). Moves are written using piece letters (K, Q, R, B, N) and pawn moves are recorded without a letter; captures use an “x” (e.g., Nxe4).

How does a pawn move and capture?

A pawn moves straight ahead one square, and on its first move it may move two squares. After that it captures diagonally one square ahead and cannot retreat. When a pawn reaches the last rank, it becomes another piece (usually a Queen).

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia