Standard chess
How to play Chess
Beginner chess rules: how to set up the board, how each piece moves, castling, en passant, promotion, checkmate and draws — one clear beginner page.
On this page
Quick start
- Set up the pieces with a light square on your right.
- White moves first. Take turns making one legal move.
- Checkmate the opposing king to win.
Objective
Checkmate the other king: attack it so there is no legal escape. Kings are never captured.
Setup
Place a light corner square on each player’s right. From left to right, White’s back rank is rook, knight, bishop, queen, king, bishop, knight, rook. Black mirrors this. Each queen starts on her own colour. Pawns fill the next rank.
Turns
White starts. Move one piece each turn; capture by landing on an enemy piece. Never leave your king attacked. Except knights, pieces cannot jump.
| Piece | Movement |
|---|---|
| King | One square in any direction, into safety |
| Queen | Any distance along a rank, file, or diagonal |
| Rook | Any distance horizontally or vertically |
| Bishop | Any distance diagonally |
| Knight | Two squares in one direction and one sideways; can jump |
| Pawn | One square forward; optionally two from its starting square if clear. Captures one square diagonally forward |
Special moves
Promotion: a pawn reaching the far rank becomes a queen, rook, bishop, or knight.
Castling: move the king two squares toward a rook and move that rook beside it, across the king. Neither piece may have moved; the path must be empty. The king cannot start in check, cross an attacked square, or finish in check.
En passant: immediately after an opposing pawn advances two squares and lands beside yours, your pawn may capture it as though it advanced one.
Winning
Checkmate wins. Stalemate—no legal move while not in check—is a draw. A position where no possible legal sequence can produce mate is also drawn. Players may agree a draw. You may claim a draw on the third occurrence of the same position (same player to move and legal possibilities), or after 50 moves by each player without a pawn move or capture. Fivefold repetition or 75 such moves by each player draws automatically; checkmate on the final move takes precedence. Consult FIDE for formal claim procedures.
Beginner tips
Develop knights and bishops, contest the centre, and keep your king safe. Before moving, check what your opponent threatens.
Common questions
Can a king move next to the other king?
No. Each king attacks the surrounding squares.
Must I capture an attacking piece?
No. You can also move your king or block the attack, when legal.
Sources & review
Rules checked 26 September 2026. Refer to the linked rules for tournament procedures and detailed adjudication.
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Your first ten moves in ChessA practical checklist for a calmer, more purposeful opening.