Chess Guide: Rules, Pieces, Checkmate, Special Moves & Strategy
Chess
Move six different piece types across an 8×8 board, protect your king and win by checkmating the opposing king.
This hub follows the FIDE Laws of Chess for orthodox chess. White moves first; players alternate one move at a time until checkmate, resignation or a draw condition ends the game.
Game at a Glance
Protect the King
You may never make a move that leaves your own king in check.
Six Piece Types
King, queen, rook, bishop, knight and pawn move differently.
Check
A king under attack must be made safe on the next move.
Checkmate
An attacked king with no legal escape loses the game.
Chess rules overview
Set up 16 pieces per side on the first two ranks. White moves first. Each piece follows its own movement rule. Captures replace an opposing piece on its square, except en passant. A move is illegal if it leaves your own king in check.
Chess guides
Official source
FIDE Laws of Chess. FIDE continued to reference this Laws chapter in 2026 official competition documents while discussing future amendments. Checked September 27, 2026.