How To Play Chess 101

The game of chess is a matter of understanding the game, patience, and skill. Today, we’ll briefly cover the basic rules & strategy of chess.

Basic Rules of Chess

1. Turns

Whoever is white moves first. Players then alternate turns. Players may only move one chess piece at a time.

2. Capturing Opponents Pieces

Players can capture pieces when they encounter an opponent in their own chess piece’s movement path. With the exception of pawns, all pieces capture in the same way they move across the chessboard.

3. Length of the Game

When playing in a chess tournament or online chess game, the games tend to be timed. When playing at home or for fun, the game is generally played until there is checkmate, or both players agree to stop playing.

How To Win The Game Of Chess

Check:

A king is in “check” when an opponent moves their chess piece in a position to capture the King. If the king cannot be moved out of check, then that is considered “Checkmate”.

Checkmate:

Checkmate is the goal of the game of chess and the only way to win the game. Checkmate is when a king is placed under attack, and has no means to move out of check, any pieces to block the attack, or any pieces to capture the opposing piece threatening the King’s capture.

Basic Strategies Of Chess:

There are many strategies in the game of chess, but for those who are beginners and learning the basics, here a few general strategies most chess players follow:

1. Protect Your King

The purpose of the game of chess is to capture the King. This means without a King, there is no game. Be sure to keep your King in a position of safety throughout the game.

2. Control the Center

A common expression in the game of chess is “Whoever controls the center controls the game.”

While this does not mean if you do not have pieces in the center of the board you will lose the chess match, it does mean it’s more desirable to have the majority of your pieces in the center of the board.

Having your chess pieces in the center of the board will allow more room to capture your opponents pieces, and more difficult for your opponent to maneuver the board.

3. Value Your Pieces

Some beginner’s make the mistake of not valuing each chess piece, such as their pawns. Keep in mind every chess piece plays a key role in the game of chess, otherwise they would not be in the game.

Also be sure to understand the relative value of each chess piece. The general base value is as follows:

A pawn is worth 1

A knight is worth 3

A bishop is worth 3

A rook is worth 5

A queen is worth 9

The king is infinitely valuable

Improving Your Chess Game

Improving your chess game takes time and practice. Be sure to play and be willing to make mistakes. Most importantly, have fun!