When a beginner comes to play chess for the first time, it is inevitable that they will be somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer complexity and volume of material they need to learn. Just grasping the mere basics of this wondrous game is in itself intimidating. However, like anything else we want to master, once we can get our psychology sorted, motives, anticipation of pleasure to come and the satisfaction of having a brand new skill, we are well on the way to ultimate victory.
The very first step is to set up your board. Next, learn the basic moves moving the piece strategies and what the main aim of your game is. Let me give you a brief overview in this article as to how to set about this. I'll do my level best to make it as simple as possible. I'll even use the ABC method. You may have heard the old adage "simplicity is the essence of genius". I have no idea who said that, but I fully agree! So, here goes:
A) The Board: You will see that the board has been divided into alternate black and white squares. These are set as 8 rows of 8 squares. The pieces are placed, according to the rules of chess two rows in front of each player on opposite sides of the board.
B) The Pieces: Although the pieces are, according to tradition usually termed "black" or "white", they can actually be any colour. Each of the players possesses 8 pawns, two rooks/castles, two knights/horses, two bishops, one queen and one king. Pawns are placed in the front row and rooks, knights, bishops and king and queen at the back row.
C) The Moves: The Pawns can move forwards two squares for the initial move, and forward one square thereafter. In a "capture" move to take their opponent's piece they are allowed to move diagonally one square to the right or the left.
Rooks: They are able to move forwards, backwards or sideways, but are not allowed to jump over a piece.
Knights: This rule is a little more complicated. They move erratically -two spaces forward and one square to the right or left in an L shape.
Bishops: This piece can move in a diagonal across the board but are not allowed to jump pieces.
Queen: She is able to move forward, backward, side to side but again, cannot jump any of the other pieces.
King: He can move one square in any direction: forward, backwards sideways or diagonally.
The purpose at all times in the game of chess is to capture your opponents King, whilst carefully guarding your own of course. You'll also want to sweep the board of all their other pieces too, or as much as possible. As you start, falteringly perhaps at the start of your training, and as you gain more skill (which with practice is inevitable), you'll soon be able and competent to play the more complex rules and strategies of the great game of chess. Good Playing!
