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Assuming that you know how to set up a chess board and that the white (or light) pieces get the first move: the basic rules of chess are simple. The objective of the game is to put your opponent's king in checkmate before he puts yours in checkmate.

This article is for beginners trying to get a feel for the game. I am omitting many of the more specific rules and details of the game.

Basic Moves:

The pawn can be moved forward one or two squares the first time the piece is moved and only one square after that on each successive move. The pawn can only kill on a forward diagonal and can only kill when moving one square.

The knight can not move diagonal but rather can move two squares in any one direction (forward or sideways) followed by one square in the other direction. It will make an "L" shape if done properly. The knight can "go over" occupied squares.

The bishop can move diagonally for as many squares that are open (unoccupied).

The rook can move forward or sideways for as many squares that are open.

The queen can move for as many squares that are unoccupied in any direction.

The king can move one square in any direction. You may not put your king in check.

Promotion:

When you advance a pawn to your opponents last row you can promote your pawn to any piece you want except a king.

Check:

A king is placed in check when an attacking piece can kill the king on the attacking pieces next move. The king must move out of check.

Checkmate:

A king is checkmated when an attacking piece can kill the king on the next move and the king has no space available to him to move out of check.

Learn more about this author, Sean Valinoti.
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