Chess is often called the “Game of Kings,” but at Upstep Academy, we believe it is a game for everyone. Whether you are a parent looking to enhance your child’s concentration or an adult picking up a new hobby, learning chess is one of the most rewarding intellectual journeys you can begin.
This guide follows the scientifically structured approach used in our Beginner Level chess curriculum to help you go from knowing nothing about the game to playing like a pro.
Chess is a game of pure strategy played between two players on a board of 64 squares. The goal is to trap the opponent’s King in a position where it cannot escape—a move known as Checkmate.
Understanding the Chess Board
Before you move a single piece, you must set the stage correctly. A chess board consists of an 8×8 grid with alternating light and dark squares.
Orientation and Coordinates
The most important rule for setup is: “White on the Right.” Ensure that the square in the bottom-right corner for both players is a light-colored square.
- Ranks: The horizontal rows are called ranks, numbered 1 to 8.
- Files: The vertical columns are called files, labeled ‘a’ through ‘h’.
Setting Up the Pieces
Each player starts with 16 pieces. They are arranged on the two ranks closest to the player as follows:
Piece Name | Quantity | Starting Squares (White) | Point Value |
Pawn | 8 | All squares on the 2nd Rank (a2-h2) | 1 Point |
Rook | 2 | The corners (a1 and h1) | 5 Points |
Knight | 2 | Next to the Rooks (b1 and g1) | 3 Points |
Bishop | 2 | Next to the Knights (c1 and f1) | 3 Points |
Queen | 1 | On her own color (d1 – White) | 9 Points |
King | 1 | Next to the Queen (e1) | Infinite (Game Over) |
Book a free demo chess class to see a live demonstration of the perfect board setup.
How Each Piece Moves
In our Beginner Foundation level Chess classes, we focus heavily on the unique “personality” and movement of each piece.
The King (The Lifeline)
The King is the most important piece but also the most vulnerable. He can move only one square in any direction- up, down, sideways, or diagonally. You must never move your King into a square where he can be captured.
The Queen (The Powerhouse)
The Queen is your most versatile attacker. She combines the powers of the Rook and the Bishop, moving any number of empty squares in any straight or diagonal direction.
The Rook (The Heavy Hitter)
Rooks move in straight lines- horizontally or vertically- as many squares as they want, provided the path is clear. They are strongest when they have “open files” to control.
The Bishop (The Sniper)
Bishops move diagonally. Each player starts with one “Light-squared Bishop” and one “Dark-squared Bishop.” They can never leave the color they started on.
The Knight (The Leaper)
The Knight is the only piece that can jump over other pieces. It moves in an “L” shape: two squares in one direction and then one square at a right angle. This makes it unpredictable and deadly in crowded positions.
The Pawn (The Foot Soldier)
Pawns move forward one square at a time. However, on their first move, they have the option to move two squares. Unlike other pieces, pawns capture diagonally one square forward.
Check out our level structure to see how we guide students through these movements step-by-step.
3 Special Chess Rules 2026 You Must Know
At Upstep Academy, we ensure every beginner is thorough with international rules, including these three “hidden” moves that often surprise new players.
Castling
This is the only time you can move two pieces in one turn. The King moves two squares toward his Rook, and the Rook jumps over him to the square beside him.
- Goal: To move the King to safety and activate the Rook.
- Rules: Neither piece must have moved before, and the path between them must be clear.
Pawn Promotion
If a humble pawn manages to reach the 8th rank (the very end of the board), it is immediately promoted. It can become a Queen, Rook, Bishop, or Knight. Most players choose a Queen to maximize their power.
En Passant
A French term meaning “in passing.” If an opponent’s pawn moves two squares forward and lands directly beside your pawn, you can capture it on your very next turn as if it had only moved one square.
Learn more about these advanced chess rules in our Beginner Level sessions.
The End of the Game: Check, Checkmate, and Draws
The ultimate goal of chess is not to collect the most pieces, but to end the game by trapping the King.
Check vs. Checkmate
- Check: Your King is under direct attack. You must escape by moving the King, blocking the attack, or capturing the attacker.
- Checkmate: Your King is in check and has no way to escape. The game ends, and the player who delivered the checkmate wins.
Understanding the Stalemate (Draw)
A stalemate occurs when a player is not in check but has no legal moves left. In this case, the game is a draw (a tie). This is a common mistake for beginners who are winning but accidentally trap their opponent too tightly!
Scenario | Definition | Result |
Checkmate | King is attacked and cannot escape. | Win for Attacker |
Stalemate | No legal moves, but King is NOT in check. | Draw (1/2 point each) |
Resignation | A player admits defeat before checkmate. | Win for Opponent |
Draw by Agreement | Both players agree the game is a tie. | Draw |
Review our curriculum to master the art of delivering a clean checkmate.
5. Winning Strategies for Beginners
Once you know how the pieces move, you need a plan. Our coaches at Upstep Academy emphasize these three pillars of the “Opening”:
- Control the Center: The four squares in the middle (e4, d4, e5, d5) are the most important. Controlling them gives your pieces more space to move.
- Develop Your Pieces: Don’t just move your pawns. Bring out your Knights and Bishops early so they can join the fight.
- Protect Your King: Use “Castling” early in the game to tuck your King safely behind a wall of pawns.
Explore our Advanced Beginner Level for deeper tactical training once you’ve mastered these basics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who moves first in chess?
The player with the White pieces always moves first. This provides a slight “first-move advantage,” which is why players alternate colors in tournaments.
Can a King capture another King?
No. Two Kings can never stand on squares immediately next to each other. A King can never move into “Check.”
What is the most powerful piece in chess?
The Queen is the most powerful due to her range and versatility. However, the King is the most important, as losing him means losing the game.
How do I get an International FIDE Rating?
After completing our five foundational levels (Beginner to Advanced Part 2), you can join our Master Level Chess Classes. This program is designed specifically to prepare you for FIDE-rated tournaments where you can earn your official world ranking.
Does Upstep Academy provide certificates?
Yes! Upon successful completion of the Beginner Level Chess Classes and its associated assessments, every student receives a certificate signed by five time world chess champion -GM Viswanathan Anand.
Join our community of thousands of students and start your chess journey today.