Have you made a commitment to learning chess? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rules, the pieces, tactics, strategies, and all the different elements of the game?
If you are looking to prioritize your learning, one basic element of chess that you should probably learn as early as possible is board set up. Without knowledge of how the chessboard is laid out, it is difficult to understand how the game is played.
While the chessboard may seem rather straightforward - we can all picture the simplicity of black and white checkered squares - there are actually many elements that go into chessboard setup.
Let’s take a closer look at the chessboard and the steps you can take to set up a board to start playing!
How Many Squares are on a Chess Board?
A chessboard consists of an 8x8 grid, with a total of 64 squares.
Squares alternate in colour from light to dark. Many chessboards are black and white, but it is typical to see chessboards that are made from stained wood.
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What is the Chessboard Coordinate System?
The squares of a chessboard are often identified by a coordinate system, much like a simple grid or map. Letters and numbers are used. The coordinate system helps to identify the exact position of a piece and is used when writing about chess and analyzing player moves.
The square in the bottom left corner from the white player’s (player playing with white or light pieces) perspective is a1; the top right corner from their perspective is h8. Players will sometimes describe their moves using the coordinate system.
Files are the vertical columns, and they are labeled from a-h from the left side of the “white” or lighter player’s perspective (the player that uses the lighter chess pieces). Ranks are horizontal rows, numbered 1-8 from the bottom side of the “white” or lighter player’s perspective.
Learning chess is fun, rewarding, and complex. A good starting point for learning chess is understanding each piece and their move.
What are the Steps to Chess Board Setup?
Step 1: Make Sure you Have a Board and all the Pieces
The first thing you will want to do when setting up the chess board is make sure that you have all the right pieces. In any chess game, each player starts with 16 pieces:
- 1 King
- 1 Queen
- 2 Rooks
- 2 Knights
- 2 Bishops
- 8 Pawns
Of course, you will want to make sure you also have a chess board! You can easily purchase chessboard sets that have all the pieces and board. If you are just playing chess for the first time, you may want to choose a basic but durable set.
As you become more experienced, you can pick more sophisticated chess sets made with more expensive materials.
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Step 2: Orient the Chess Board
The position of the board between the players may seem like a minor detail, but it is fundamental to the chess board set up. Place the the board so that each player has a light-coloured or white square in the bottom right corner. This ensures correct positioning and symmetrical setup.
Step 3: Start the Chess Board Layout with Rooks
Now you can start putting the actual pieces on the board. To do this, you will want to understand the chess board coordinate system.
Place rooks at the corners of the board. White or light rooks go on a1 and h1; black rooks are placed on a8 and h8.
Step 4: Place Knights on the Board
The next step is to place the Knights next to the rooks. Light or white knights go on b1 and g1; black knights go on b8 and g8.
Step 5: Bishops
Next, place bishops next to knights. Light or white bishops go on c1 and f1; black bishops go on c8 and f8.
Step 6: Queens
The queen goes on her own colour: therefore, a white queen is placed on a white square, and a black queen is placed on a black square. White or light queen is placed on d1; black queen goes on d8.
Step 7: Place the Kings
The king is placed on the remaining square of the back rank, next to the queen. The white or light king goes on E1; the black king goes on e8.
Step 8: Place the Pawns
All the pawns are placed on the second rank for each player. White or light Pawns are placed on a2, b2, c2, d2, e2, f2, g2, h2. Black pawns are placed on a7, b7, c7, d7, e7, f7, g7, h7.
Chess is a game that continues to capture the interest of people from all walks of life. When getting started in chess, it is important to learn the game, its terminology, and some basic tips to play.
Summary of the Chess Board Layout
White Pieces: First and Second Ranks
First Rank (Back Rank):
- a1: Rook
- b1: Knight
- c1: Bishop
- d1: Queen
- e1: King
- f1: Bishop
- g1: Knight
- h1: Rook
Second Rank:
- a2 to h2: Pawns
Black Pieces: Seventh and Eighth Ranks
Eighth Rank (Back Rank):
- a8: Rook
- b8: Knight
- c8: Bishop
- d8: Queen
- e8: King
- f8: Bishop
- g8: Knight
- h8: Rook
Seventh Rank:
- a7 to h7: Black Pawns
Is it Worthwhile to Learn Chess?
"Chess is the gymnasium of the mind."
Blaise Pascal
If you have been looking at the rules of chess and are starting to feel overwhelmed about understanding it all, you are certainly not alone. Chess is a complex game with so many tactics, strategies, and possibilities.
However, keep in mind that it is one of the most fun and rewarding games to learn. It is cognitively challenging, which is good for your brain health, and a great way to meet new friends and social circles.
You can supplement your learning by watching the hundreds of free chess videos and explainers out there for beginners. There are also puzzle books where you can practice different tactics in chess, and apps that will kickstart your game into action in no time.
If learning online does not appeal to you, consider joining a chess club for players at all levels in your community or school. Find others who are at a similar place on their chess learning journeys, and practice playing with them.
As you get into the game, start competing in tournaments or more challenging games, you’ll be so happy you started!
Another way to learn chess quickly is to consult with a private chess tutor - we will learn all about this option next.
People that aspire to play chess are following in the footsteps of giants. And while chess is is a game that has entertained some of the most brilliant minds in the world, it is also a game that children, can play. Find out how you can get started as a beginner.
Can a Private Chess Instructor or Tutor Help me to Learn Chess Quickly?
Private chess instructors or tutors are an efficient way to quickly build your understanding of chess and tactics for play. They can guide you through everything from chess board setup to rules and tactics, helping you to become a proficient chess player.
It can also be a powerful learning experience to learn chess with an patient and knowledgeable player who is dedicated to helping you to improve. They can work with you at your own pace, and review areas of difficulty that arise when you play.
Private chess instruction is also a fantastic option for parents that have children with an interest in chess. Hire a chess tutor who works with children, and you will not only help your child to develop a lifelong love of the game but give them a fun weekend or after school activity.
How do I Find a Private Chess Tutor?
Finding a chess tutor to teach you the basics of chess is easy with Superprof. Superprof Canada is a site that connects students to private instructors not only in chess, but various academic and professional disciplines.
The site is user-friendly, with a search tool that will displays available chess teachers or tutors when prompted with the search tool. You can see all available chess tutors near you or across Canada, should you be interested in learning virtually.
Explore the individual profiles of different tutors, and see if they can focus specifically on chess tactics. If you are looking for a child, be sure to contact only those that are qualified and experienced at working with kids.
Learn chess with a Superprof tutor today!
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