Search Basic Chess Rules FAQ

Welcome to the Basic Chess Rules FAQ. If you are unsure of any of the basics or maybe some of the more technical stuff you've come to the right place. Many of the most frequently asked questions are here complete with answers. Be sure to first read carefully through Chess Rules.

If you don't find your query listed don't despair. All you need to do is ask your question below and I will answer promptly. Maybe you'll find it has been asked already if you look through the submissions left by others.

We'll get you up to speed on all the rules and ready to dig into strategy. You'll learn how to move the pieces all the way up to the King.

Basic Chess Rules Qs and As

Q. What happens if I accidentally leave my King in check after my move? Do I lose the game?

A. No you don't lose the game. The move is taken back and you make another move with the piece you originally moved if this is possible. If not move another piece. Even if the mistake is discovered several moves later the game should be restored to the position directly before the illegal move is taken. Illegal moves should shed more light.

Q. Is it possible for one King to put the opposing King in check?

A. No as this move would leave the attacking King in check also which is illegal. The closest the two Kings can get to each other is with one square between them. See the discussion on opposition for a deeper understanding of this.

Q. How many Queens can I have on the board at a time?

A. It is perfectly legal to have more than one Queen at a time. In theory it is possible to have as many as nine Queens at once although this would mean successfully promoting all eight pawns while retaining the original queen, a tall order to say the least!

Q. How many moves are given to mate a lone King?

A. Following the capture of the lone King's final comrade he must make 50 moves to earn a draw as outlined in the Right to Draw.

Q. On the opening move can you move two pawns one square instead of moving one pawn two squares?

A. No this is not an option. There are no circumstances in chess where two pieces are moved as part of the same move apart from castling with King and Rook.

After Rules comes Strategy

Of course the best way to burn the basics of chess into your head is to play regularly. Pretty soon you won't even be concerned about the rules as they'll be second nature. You're thinking will move on to strategy.

Where do you start with strategy? Well for a long time chess players have thought about strategy divided into three distinct phases of the game. Openings, middlegame and endgame. Each of these phases are a discipline onto themselves. Each opening can be played taking the long term planning of the game in mind. The opening you choose will often determine the nature of the middlegame. This will in term lead to an endgame you can foresee straight from the opening.

In terms of basic strategy you should get a basic understanding of a few openings, maybe learn one or two intensely. You will start to pick up well known themes and motifs of the middlegames. You will start on the endgames by learning basic fundamental ideas there. Over time you will continue to build your understandings of all three areas.

Survive the Opening

Choose a chess opening — Choose an Opening

No one likes to be beaten in the opening. You're just 6 or 8 moves in and already you're completely destroyed. You're losing pieces, your pawns are messed up, you can't castle. You have no chance. Not fun.

You need to learn how to open. No matter how good your opponent is, you want to survive the opening. If he gets you later on so be it. You will get through the opening in one piece. That's essential. You don't want to play 25 or 30 moves knowing you've already lost the game. You don't want to resign after less than 10 moves. Or even less than 20.

There are many opening lines, variations and complexes to choose from. The best thing when you're just starting out is to pick out a couple of reliable options to play as White or Black and learn them well.

Clear Your Confusion on Basic Chess Rules

Did a game you played with a friend end in dispute? Deep down you know you're right. Right? Or maybe there's a rule you're just not clear on? Ask me here and I'll give you the answer. Everything from basic chess rules to the trickier stuff. Other people will be able to post solutions to your problems too. Ask any question on Chess Rules.

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Questions Asked by other Contributors

The problem you need help with may already have been dealt with here. Read questions others have asked plus the answers I gave them. There may be multiple answers as everyone can help. Btw if you can help someone else out with their question don't be shy. Share your chess knowledge.

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Three Moves Rule
Q. I've heard about a way to draw in chess if you're losing. It's called the 3 moves rule. I'm having a hard time understanding the 3 moves rule in a …

Chess King
Q. Can Pawn take on king (ie) can king be made check by pawn? A. Hi Taksa, no piece can actually take the King but the pawn can certainly …

French Chess Move
Q. I am trying to improve my defensive play in chess. People recommend many different strategies. I have often heard of a move called the French Defense. …

Chess Castle
Q. I'm a little confused on castling. My brother says as long as the Rook and King are in their original starting places, they can castle. Is it possible …

Soldier Pawn
Q. How do you decide what piece soldier promotes to? Do soldiers promote to different pieces depending on what file they promote? What will happen when …

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Moving On

Don't delay another minute if you have any doubts on chess rules. Ask the question. You can have a comprehensive revision of the rules or a quick how to.

Once you get going with moving the pieces, you'll be racking up the checkmates in no time. If you're an intermediate player maybe you have a more technical query.

Is it some of the many unfamiliar words you hear bandied about in general chess parlance? If you need some terminology explained take a look at the chess glossary.

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