How To Play: Chess

Overview

If you want to crush your friends at chess or just stop losing to your 8-year-old niece, you’re in the right place. This guide covers the basics: an outline of the game rules, plus my favorite tips and sneaky tactics. After reading this, you’ll have a better grip on How To Play chess—and maybe even win a game or two (no promises about the niece, though).

What’s in the box

• 1 Chess board
• 8 White pawns
• 8 Black pawns
• 2 White rooks
• 2 Black rooks
• 2 White knights
• 2 Black knights
• 2 White bishops
• 2 Black bishops
• 1 White queen
• 1 Black queen
• 1 White king
• 1 Black king

How To Play Chess: Rules Summary

If you’ve ever mixed up knights and horses, you’re in the right place. Here’s how to play chess, with no confusion and maybe a laugh or two.

Setup

1. Place the board so a white square is in the bottom right corner.
2. Put rooks in every corner. They look like tiny castles.
3. Add knights next to the rooks. Knights are the ones shaped like horses.
4. Slip the bishops beside the knights.
5. Set the queen on her own color (white queen on white, black queen on black).
6. Place the king next to the queen. He has a fancy cross on top.
7. Fill the second row with pawns. No exceptions!

Gameplay

1. White moves first, then players take turns. (Sorry, no double turns, even on your birthday!)
2. Move one piece per turn, except for castling, which breaks the rules a bit.
3. Pawns travel forward, but capture on a diagonal. Like me trying to avoid Monday mornings.
4. Each piece moves in a unique way. Knights jump in an ‘L’ shape, bishops go diagonal, and so on.
5. Capture by taking an opponent’s piece and putting your own in its place.

Winning

1. The main goal is to checkmate the king. That means the king is under attack and can’t escape.
2. If only the kings are left, or no one can win, it’s a draw. Nobody cries, but someone might sulk.
3. You can resign if you feel defeated. No shame in it! (I usually do after three blunders.)

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Castling lets you move the king two steps and the rook over him. Both must not have moved or be in check.
2. En passant allows a pawn to capture a pawn that just moved two squares next to it. This move always shocks beginners.
3. Pawns that reach the last rank turn into any piece, usually a queen. This is called promotion. Party time!

Now you know How To Play chess! Get a board, grab a friend, and prepare to shout “Checkmate!” or “Oops, I did it again.”

Best Chess Strategies

Unlocking Victory: Chess Opening Principles That Work

Control the Center

Right from the start, go for the center! Your pieces get more power and freedom that way.

1. Move pawns to e4 or d4 early.
2. Place knights on f3 or c3 quickly.

Develop Your Pieces

Avoid getting lazy here. Get your knights and bishops out before moving the queen or rook.

1. Don’t move the same piece twice unless needed.
2. Bring out minor pieces, not pawns or queen.

Protect Your King

No one wins with a naked king. Castle fast, and you’ll thank yourself later!

1. Castle early, usually kingside.
2. Avoid exposing your king with wild pawn moves.

How To Play chess: Start Strong

These opening tricks will set you up for the rest of the match. And trust me, your friends will notice when you actually survive past move 10.

Piece Coordination: Your Secret Weapon in Chess

If you want to know How To Play chess like a champ, focus on piece coordination. My friends and I once lost every piece except two knights and a bishop. We blamed pizza grease, but really, we didn’t work together. Learning this changed our game. Here’s what helps:

Connect Your Rooks

1. Clear the back rank fast.
2. Place rooks next to each other.
3. Control open files for more power.

Support Your Pawns

1. Back up pawn pushes with pieces.
2. Avoid leaving pawns alone and weak.
3. Use bishops and knights for support.

Team Up On Targets

1. Focus pieces on the same enemy pawn.
2. Double up attacks for bigger threats.
3. Force your opponent into defense, not you!

Master The Endgame: Your Secret Weapon for Victory

Many games of chess head for the endgame, where every pawn and move can seal your fate. How To Play chess better? Master these endgame tricks with my friends’ favourite blunders as proof.

King Activity

1. Activate your king by moving him toward the center.
2. Use your king to support pawns and threaten enemy pieces.

Pawns Power

1. Push your passed pawns, but only when safe.
2. Keep your pawn structure solid—doubled pawns rarely win games.

Opposition

1. Take the opposition in king and pawn endings to control key squares.
2. Force your opponent into zugzwang—make them run out of good options.

Checkmate Your Friends, Not Your Social Life

Alright, you made it! You now know why bishops love long walks and why that horse piece (yes, it’s a knight, but horse is more fun) jumps so weird. With these tips, you can show off How To Play chess and not just set up a stalemate after twelve moves like I did my first time. Grab your board, some snacks, and show your friends who’s the real chess boss. May your pawns be brave and your queens fearsome. Good luck and happy checkmating!

Want to know what we think of Chess? Read our detailed review of Chess here