The Rules: How to Play Chess

Learn the rules of chess : how to set up a chess board, move the pieces, capture, and castle. Know the goal of a game : how to recognize check, checkmate, and stalemate. Chess by the rules!

Introduction
Here is a simple description of how to play chess by the rules. 'A moment to learn; a lifetime to master.' Start here and follow the 'Next >>' link at the end of each page to continue. • Follow 'Next Tutorial' on the right of every page to jump to the next topic.

How to Set Up a Chess Board
Chess rules start with setting up the board. White on right. Queen on her color. With diagrams.

The Rules of How the Chess Pieces Move -- Pawn, Knight, Rook, Bishop, Queen, and King.

How to Castle
The rules for castling. With this one move, you get your King into safety, develop one Rook, and connect the Rooks to each other.

How to Capture En Passant
The rule of en passant. The term 'En passant' is French for 'in passing'. It's a tricky pawn move that some players don't know.

How to Promote a Pawn
The rules for Pawn promotion. Pawns only move forward. What happens when they reach the last row?

How to Check, Checkmate, and Stalemate
The rules of ending the game. How do you know when the game is over? Here are different ways to finish a chess game. • Want more examples? See Checkmates with Names. (You'll need to know Chess Notation).