How to play Chess

The objective

Your goal is simple: use six kinds of pieces to attack and checkmate the opposing king. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

A chessboard and 32 chess pieces.

How to set up

1. Place a light square at each player’s right.
2. Arrange rooks, knights, bishops, queen, and king behind the pawns; the queen begins on her own color.

How to play: step by step

1. White moves first, then turns alternate.
2. Move each piece according to its movement pattern.
3. A king under attack is in check and must escape.
4. Win by checkmate, when the checked king has no legal move.

Beginner strategies

• Control the four central squares.
• Develop knights and bishops before repeatedly moving one piece.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the king in check.
• Bringing the queen out too early.

Frequently asked questions