Play Chess
So you've always wanted to play chess but never learned how. It can be a fun, addictive strategy game for players of all ages. Although the rules might seem complicated at first, after playing a game, you'll soon discover it's really quite easy to learn how to play it!
A Quick Overview
Chess is a game for two players. The board is made up of 64 alternating dark and light squares. Each player has 16 light or dark pieces which each move differently on the board. Each player's pieces are lined up on opposite ends of the board in two rows. The eight pawns are in the front and the other pieces are in the back. The back row pieces are lined up in the following order from left to right: rook, knight, bishop, queen, king, bishop, knight, rook. Game play alternates between the two players, each only moving one piece per turn. The object of the game is to “threaten” your opponent's King. This happens when one of your pieces has the option of capturing your opponent's King. This is called “check.” If the King cannot “get away” from your threat, then you have performed a “check-mate” which immediately ends the game and you are declared the winner. Check-mate can occur at anytime throughout the game, so the time it takes to play a game of chess varies from game to game. The most important part of playing this game is learning how each piece moves across the board.
The Pawn
These are the weakest pieces, but work well at protecting the King. The pawn moves forward one space at a time. It captures by moving diagonally. If a pawn is able to move to the opposite end of the board, it may be traded for a previously captured piece.
The Rook
This piece moves in vertically or horizontally any number of spaces in one direction, as long as its path is not blocked.
The Knight
The knight moves in the shape of an “L”. This is done by moving two spaces horizontally and two spaces vertically. It does not matter if other pieces are in the way, it's final destination-the end of the “L” is the only space it affects.
The Bishop
The bishop moves diagonally any number of spaces in one direction, as long as its path is not blocked.
The Queen
The queen is the most powerful piece on the board. The queen can move any number of spaces in any direction: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, as long as its path is not blocked.
The King
The king is the most important piece on the board. It must always be protected from your opponent's pieces. When it becomes trapped, the game is over. The king can only move one square at a time in any direction.
While chess is a game of strategy, it's really quite easy to learn how to play it. Once you do, you'll enjoy a lifetime of fun with friends or family members. |
