Introduction to Chess Naming the Chess Squares Names of the Pieces Initial Setup Materials taken...

Introduction to Chess

Naming the Chess Squares

Names of the Pieces

Initial Setup

Materials taken from Teaching Chess Step By Step manuals, Books 1 and 2 (owned by Eagle Crest Charter Academy)


• A “file” refers to the squares that go up and down a single line.

• Hint: “single file” • Each file has a

letter: a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h.


• A “rank” refers to the squares that go side to side in a single line.

• Hint: rank = row • Ranks are

numbered 1-8.• We usually say “6th

rank” instead of rank 6.


• A square is named by a combination of the file letter and the rank number.

• Each square name is unique.

PRACTICE: Naming the Chess Squares

For each piece on the chessboard, identify the name for the square where that piece is placed.

PRACTICE: Naming the Chess Squares

• Take turns placing one piece on the board and having

your partner identify the name for the square where that piece is placed.

• White always goes first.• If you have a question that cannot be resolved with

your partner, raise your hand and wait for a Coach.• Non-interference: you cannot interfere with anyone

else’s game.

Names of the Pieces

KING: • The King is the

most important piece in chess.

• The goal of a chess game is to capture your opponent’s king.

Identify the King in the lineup below:

Names of the Pieces

QUEEN: • The Queen is the

most powerful piece in chess.

Identify the Queen in the lineup below:

Names of the Pieces

BISHOP: • The symbol for the

Bishop is from the hats they wear.

Identify the Bishop in the lineup below:

Names of the Pieces

KNIGHT: • The Knight rides a

horse and is the only piece that is able to jump over other pieces on the board.

Identify the Knight in the lineup below:

Names of the Pieces

ROOK: • The Rook looks

like a little castle.

Identify the Rook in the lineup below:

Names of the Pieces

PAWN: • Pawns are the foot

soldiers.• Each side begins

with a lot of pawns on the “front line.”

Identify the Pawn in the lineup below:

PRACTICE: Names of the Pieces

Identify each picture of a chess piece with its correct name.

King

Rook

Bishop

Queen

Pawn

Knight

Initial Setup

Tips:• “White on Right”• The white Queen

goes on the white square and the black (dark) Queen goes on the black square.

Initial Setup

The “power pieces” are placed on the 1st (white) and

8th (black) ranks.

Initial Setup

The pawns form the “front lines” on the 2nd (white) and 7th (black) ranks.

PRACTICE: Initial Setup

• Remove all of the

pieces from your board and mix them up.

• See how quickly you can set up your own chess board (correctly, of course!)

REVIEW: Initial Setup

• Which black piece

is missing from the board?

• Which white piece is missing from the board?

REVIEW: Initial Setup

• Identify what is

wrong with the starting setup.

PRACTICE: Initial Setup

• Set up your pieces

properly.• Take turns testing

each other on “which piece is missing” or “what is wrong with this setup.”

Introduction to Chess Naming the Chess Squares Names of the Pieces Initial Setup Materials taken...

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