Articles & Resources

Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent

Chess Glossary (A-Z)
An alphabetical list of important chess terms. Confused about the various acronyms and terms used in chess? Check our glossary for definitions. We have definitions for everything from Algebraic notation to Zwischenzug, with more glossary terms added regularly!

Positional Terminology in Chess
The vocabulary of chess is at its best when describing abstract features of a chess game. Here is a collection of terms that are often used by chess writers in commenting on positional aspects of a chess game.

Advanced Positional Terminology
Good chess players have their own jargon to describe certain advanced features of a chess position or of a chess move. Several of the most important terms were invented by Aron Nimzovitch or are often associated with his name.

Chess Problems, Puzzles, and Studies
The terms problem, puzzle, and study are sometimes used interchangeably. Although they all have something to do with finding the best move in a given position, they have different meanings. Do you know the difference between the three terms?

Clock Terms
We updated our 'Before You Buy' articles by refreshing some obsolete info and by adding one new manufacturer to each of our analog and digital categories. We also added a new feature: Before You Buy a Chess Clock 'Made in China'.

World Championship Terms
The World Championship is based on a hierarchical qualifying cycle. From 1948 to 1996, the cycle consisted of zonal tournaments, an Interzonal, a Candidates' event, and a title match. In recent years, the cycle was compressed into a knockout tournament.

Opening Terms
Chess terminology is at its most colorful in the names that have been applied to the openings and their variations. Chess also has a technical vocabulary which applies to opening theory in general.

Terms of Competition
In addition to the many terms and expressions applying to a game, like the special moves of the pieces, chess has a vocabulary related to the fair conduct of games and competitions. Our glossary includes terms used in tournaments and matches.