 how the pawns and pieces move and

capture.
The C&O Chess Journal
The following rules will help you to
remember the proper board orientation
Part 1 and setup:
The Basics 1. A white square should always be in
each player‟s right corner (remember
Chess, one of the oldest existing “light on right”).
board games, had its origins in India
around 1500 years ago. It is a game for 2. The opposing Kings and Queens
two players, one using the white go directly opposite each other, with the
chessmen and one using the black. The “Queen on her own color” (ie: White‟s
board represents a battlefield and the Queen on a light square, Black‟s on a
chessmen are two armies. Chess is a fight dark square). For children I say “the
and the objective is to capture (or Queen likes her dress to match her
“checkmate”) the opposing King. shoes.”

XABCDEFGHY 3. When the board contains letters,

that identify the “files” (rows of squares
8rsnlwqkvlntr( running across the board, from White‟s
7zppzppzppzpp' side to Black‟s side – vertical in a
6-+-+-+-+& diagram), and numbers, identifying
5+-+-+-+-% “ranks” (rows running from left to right –
4-+-+-+-+$ horizontal in a diagram), the white pieces
3+-+-+-+-# should be placed on the 1st rank and
2PzPPzPPzPPzP" pawns on the 2nd rank. The black pawns
1tRNvLQmKLsNR! and pieces are placed on the 7th and 8th
ranks, as shown.
xabcdefghy
The Starting Position Each square is named for the
intersecting file and rank on which it is
located. For example square “a1,” the
Board Geography dark square on White‟ left corner, and
By tradition, the playing pieces and “h1,” the light square on his right.
players are identified as “White” and In addition to the files and ranks, the
“Black” (no matter the actual color of the board contains “diagonals” (rows of
chessmen used). The same is true of the squares of the same color connected at the
squares on the chessboard, although they corners). Diagonals are identified by the
are often referred to as “light” and “dark.” names of the squares at each end (for
At the beginning of the game the example, the “long diagonals” a1-h8 and
chessmen are set up as shown in the first a8-h1, or a short diagonal such as a2-b1).
diagram. The next section will describe The printed letters and numbers are a
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 2

simple aid in “recording the moves” of only a few men. “Handicaps” are a good
the game for later replay, coaching and way for more experienced players to play
study (see “Notation”). If no letters and against those with less.
numbers are printed on a board the names Players who approach mastering the
of the ranks, files and squares remains the basics in this way will have an advantage
same, determined by board orientation as they add the remaining pieces, one by
rules and the setup of the chessmen. one, to the board. When they have
The White player always moves first. learned the various moves and captures
Then the players alternate turns. A player they will already have a grasp of how the
may not “pass” or skip his turn. Only one pawns and pieces can be coordinated to
man may be moved per turn (except in the fight together as a well trained, complete
case of “castling,” a special move which army, should.
is explained later). By convention, the six Chess is NOT about memorizing how
types of chessmen are divided into the men move. It is about “ideas” and
“pieces” and “pawns” and they all move how to plan and coordinate. It is about
and capture in different ways. The pieces how to visualize a strategy and foresee
are further divided into “major pieces” an outcome. Chess cannot be mastered in
(Rooks and Queens) and “minor pieces” an hour, or a week, or a year. But it can
(Knights and Bishops). and should be fun, and a challenge,
The Knights are the only pieces which from the beginning.
may jump over other chessmen. All other A word about the “Touch-Move
pieces may move only along unblocked Rule.” In most “club” chess, and in all
lines (ranks, files, and diagonals). No tournaments, a player who touches a piece
chessman may be moved to a square or pawn “must” move it unless he first
already occupied by another man of the states “I adjust” or some clear equivalent
same color. But a player may capture an (“j‟adoube” in French). That is the
enemy man that occupies any square to “default” (normal) rule and we always use
which one of his men may move. it at the Center. It helps develop the skill
Capturing is done by simply removing the of “visualization” and the habit of
opposing man from the board and “thinking before moving.” Of course
replacing it with the capturing one. courtesy may allow a “warning” (or two)
The moves of the various pieces and for a first offense, particularly with new
pawns are presented in a specific order. players.
While adults and those of you with some Before going too much further, you
previous knowledge of chess may wish to should have a, full sized, “club-quality”
learn all of them at once and begin (or better) chess set (a board with 2¼ in.
playing with a “full board,” I recommend squares, solid plastic chessmen, and a 3½
that new players learn them in the order in. tall King), not a cheap “toy store” set.
presented. As they learn, students should These are available from many internet
also play the “tactical problems” using sources at a reasonable cost.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 3

The Moves of the Chessmen There are two exceptions to this

simple move. First, the King is never
XABCDEFGHY allowed to capture on, or move to, a
square on which he is being “checked”
8-+-+k+-+( (attacked) by an enemy piece. For
7+-+-+-+-' example, a King may never move next to
6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-% XABCDEFGHY
4-+-+-+-+$ 8-+-+-+-+(
3+-+-+-+-# 7+-+-+-+-'
2-+-+-+-+" 6-+-}{}-+&
1+-+-mK-+-! 5+-+{mk{+-%
xabcdefghy 4-+{+-}-+$
K The King k 3+-}K}-+-#
2-+{}{+-+"
The King is the most important piece. 1+-+-+-+-!
When either King is trapped, or xabcdefghy
“checkmated,” the game is over and that Neither King may move
player loses (in regular chess the King is next to the other.
never actually “captured”). The King‟s
move is one of the two easiest to learn. the opposing King. In the diagram, above,
neither King may move to d4 or e4, as
XABCDEFGHY that would place both Kings in “check.”
8-+-+{mk{+( A King which is attacked is said to be “in
7+-+-}{}-' check” and must get “out of check”
6-+-+-+-+& immediately (see “Check and Checkmate”).
5+-+-+-+-% The other exception is the special
4-+{}{+-+$ King move, “castling.” Both of these are
3+-}K}-+-# explained later.
2-+{}{+-+"
1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy
The King’s move

Basically, he may simply move one

square in any direction (as represented by
the squares with dots in the diagram). He
captures opposing pieces or pawns the
same way he moves.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 4

XABCDEFGHY pawn has the option, or choice, of moving

8-+-+-+-+( forward one or two squares.
7zppzppzppzpp' XABCDEFGHY
6-+-+-+-+& 8-+-+-+-+(
5+-+-+-+-% 7+-+-+-+-'
4-+-+-+-+$ 6-+-+-+-+&
3+-+-+-+-# 5+-+-+-zp-%
2PzPPzPPzPPzP" 4-+{+-;{;$
1+-+-+-+-! 3+,},+-+-#
xabcdefghy 2-+P+-+-+"
P The Pawns Z 1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy
The pawns are the “most difficult”
The Pawns’ move and capture.
chessmen to learn, and the most under-
estimated by beginners. This is primarily
In the diagram, White‟s pawn (on
because they differ from the “pieces” in
square c2) has not yet moved. It may
several very important ways. I also
move to either of the two squares in front
consider them to be the “second most
of it (marked with dots), c3 and c4, or it
important” men for beginners to learn,
may capture an enemy piece on either of
primarily due to one “special ability” that
the two squares diagonally forward
no regular piece has. While it is true that,
(marked with stars), b3 and d3. It may not
individually, they are the weakest men on
move to the starred squares unless there is
the board, they also have a “group
an enemy piece or pawn on that square.
dynamic” that makes them unique and,
Black‟s pawn, on g5, may only move to
when working together, they may be as
g4 (it has already moved at least once), or
powerful as any other single piece. When
capture on f4 or h4 (if an enemy occupies
teaching beginners I always begin with
the square).
the pawns and Kings, as an understanding
of how they may interact is fundamental The reason I call pawns the “second
to chess mastery. most important” men is that if a pawn
advances all the way to the opposite side
As noted above, the pawns have a
of the board it is “promoted” right away,
number of features which, taken together,
usually to a Queen (but possibly to a
make them more difficult for beginners to
Rook, Knight, or Bishop) which
master. For example, they are the only
immediately replaces it on the square it
men who move differently from the way
has reached. Because of the usual choice,
they capture. A pawn may “move” only
promotion is often referred to as
straight ahead (never sideways or
“queening” a pawn. It may not remain a
backward) but it “captures” diagonally
pawn or become a King and it is possible
forward. Its “basic move” is one square
for either, or both, sides to have more
at a time, but on its “first move” each
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 5

than one Queen (two Rooks, etc.) on the XABCDEFGHY

board at the same time. 8r+-+-+-tr(
Pawns also have a special type of 7+-+-+-+-'
capture, known as “en passant” which is 6-+-+-+-+&
described later under “Special Moves.” 5+-+-+-+-%
Because pawns are so difficult to 4-+-+-+-+$
learn, and because the King is the only 3+-+-+-+-#
piece who is always on the board, I teach 2-+-+-+-+"
new students the “Pawns Games” (really 1tR-+-+-+R!
“King & Pawns”). These are tactical xabcdefghy
problems, or exercises, designed to let
students play a game right away, and also
R The Rooks r
The Rooks are the easiest pieces to
XABCDEFGHY learn. Because of their range, they are
8-+-+k+-+( also the second “most powerful” pieces
7+pzppzp-+-'
6-+-+-+-+& XABCDEFGHY
5+-+-+-+-% 8-+{+-+-+(
4-+-+-+-+$ 7+-}-+-+-'
3+-+-+-+-# 6-+{+-+-+&
2-+-zPPzPP+" 5+-}-+-+-%
1+-+-mK-+-! 4{}R}{}{}$
xabcdefghy 3+-}-+-+-#
A “King & Pawns Game” 2-+{+-+-+"
Tactical Problem 1.1
1+-}-+-+-!
become familiar with the two “most xabcdefghy
important” chessmen from the start. See The Rook’s moves and captures.
the “Pawn and Piece Tutors” section for
details on different ways to play “Pawns (after the Queens). As seen in the
Game” exercises. diagram, a Rook may move any number
of squares along the file (vertical row) or
rank (horizontal row) it is on, as long as
its path is not blocked. Rooks may also
participate in the special King move
called “castling” which is described later.
A single Rook, working with his King,
may force a checkmate against a lone
opposing King in about fifteen moves, or
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 6

less, from anywhere on the board. A XABCDEFGHY

Rook is a “major piece.” 8-+-+-+ +(
When my new students have learned 7+R+-+-+-'
the “Pawns Game” exercises, I introduce 6-+-+-+-+&
the Rooks by allowing them to “promote” 5+-+-+K+-%
their pawns to Rooks. The Rooks may 4k+-+-+-+$
then be used to capture pawns and to
3+-+-+-+-#
learn how to “checkmate” the opponent‟s
King.
2-+R+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-!
The easiest checkmate for beginners xabcdefghy
to learn uses two Rooks. In the diagram
White mates in one!
below, White‟s Rooks have checkmated
Black‟s King. Notice that the Rook on b7

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8-+R+-+k+( 8-+l+-vl-+(
7+R+-+-+-' 7+-+-+-+-'
6-+-+-+-+& 6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-% 5+-+-+-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$ 4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+K+-+-# 3+-+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+" 2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-! 1+-vL-+L+-!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
A two Rook checkmate! L The Bishops l
creates an “invisible wall” (along the 7th
rank) that Black‟s King may not cross. At A Bishop can move any number of
the same time, the Rook on c8 gives a squares in a straight line, diagonally, if its
parallel check (along the 8th rank), from path is not blocked. At the beginning of
which there is no escape. How can White the game each player has one “light
checkmate the black King in the square Bishop” and one “dark square
following position? Bishop.” Bishops are “minor pieces.” A
single Bishop and the King are
“insufficient” (not strong enough) to
checkmate the lone, opposing King. Such
a game is “drawn” (tied). However, two
Bishops and the King can “force”
checkmate against an opponent‟s lone
King without much difficulty (if the
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 7

player knows how). For this reason two XABCDEFGHY

Bishops are generally stronger than two 8-+-wq-+-+(
Knights in an endgame. 7+-+-+-+-'
6-+-+-+-+&
XABCDEFGHY 5+-+-+-+-%
8{+-+-+{+( 4-+-+-+-+$
7+{+-+{+-' 3+-+-+-+-#
6-+{+{+-+& 2-+-+-+-+"
5+-+L+-+-% 1+-+Q+-+-!
4-+{+{+-+$ xabcdefghy
3+{+-+{+-#
2{+-+-+{+" Q The Queen q
1+-+-+-+{! The Queen is the most powerful
xabcdefghy piece, but relatively easy to learn if you
The Bishop’s moves and captures have been following my order. On any
turn she may move like a Rook or like a
Note that this Bishop is on a light Bishop, that is, in a straight line along the
square and can reach only other light rank, file, or diagonal upon which she
squares. Two Bishops (one on the light stands.
squares, one on the dark) can cover all the
squares. If you lose one Bishop you lose XABCDEFGHY
its coverage of half of the board and you 8-+-}-+-}(
will be “weak” on those squares. 7}-+{+-}-'
Many beginners have a hard time 6-}-}-}-+&
visualizing a Bishop‟s move along the 5+-}{}-+-%
diagonals. Make sure your Bishops move 4{}{wQ{}{}$
“straight” and remain on the same color, 3+-}{}-+-#
and always watch all your opponent‟s 2-}-}-}-+"
moves carefully. Many new players (and
1}-+{+-}-!
some experienced ones) make moves with
unintended errors (for example moving
xabcdefghy
The Queen’s moves and captures
from b2 to g6 and switching colors).
In this diagram she may reach any of
the squares with a dot. As a major piece,
the Queen, together with the King, may
“force” checkmate of an opponent‟s lone
King in fifteen moves, or less (usually
less than ten). However, it is also easier
to wind up in a “stalemate” (one of the
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 8

five kinds of draws) if you are not careful XABCDEFGHY

when trying to “mate” with the Queen. 8-+-+-vlntr(
Because she is such a powerful part of 7+-+-}pzpp'
the chess army, it is important that players 6-+-+-}-}&
be very careful not to “exchange” (trade) 5+{+{+-+-%
her for anything less than the opponent‟s 4{+-+{+-+$
Queen. All players should learn the
3+-sN-+-+-#
average “fighting strengths” and
“exchange values” of the pawns and
2{+-+{+-+"
pieces. After all the strongest army 1+{+{+-+-!
usually has a better chance to win (see xabcdefghy
“Piece Values, Safety and Counting”). The Knight’s moves and captures

Many students think of the Knight‟s

move as an “L” shape, but I have found
XABCDEFGHY that it is often easier for beginners to
8-sn-+-+n+( visualize four “T” or “Y” shapes,
7+-+-+-+-' radiating from the starting square, with
6-+-+-+-+& the landing squares at the “tips” of the
5+-+-+-+-% “T” (or “Y”).
4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-# 5+{]{+
2-+-+-+-+" 4{+[+{
1+N+-+-sN-! 3+-sN-+
xabcdefghy 2{+-+{
N The Knights n 1+{+{+
A Knight‟s move is very special and
xabcde
The Knight’s move as a “T”
many players have difficulty visualizing
it. Unlike all the other, “straight line,”
pieces, a Knight leaps directly from its A Knight may only capture pieces on
old square to its new one, jumping over the square where it lands. The Knight
any friendly, or opposing, pieces that may always lands on a square of the opposite
be between them (as with Black‟s Knight color from where it started its move.
in the next diagram). However, as with Like Bishops, Knights are “minor pieces.”
all chessmen except pawns, the Knight A single Knight with the King is unable
does “capture” in the same manner that it to make a checkmate of the opponent‟s
“moves.” lone King.
Unlike Bishops, even two Knights
with the King cannot normally force a
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 9

checkmate (although there are some XABCDEFGHY

specific positions that can lead to mate). 8-+l+kvl-+(
However, Knights are the only piece that 7zppzppzppzpp'
can be “developed” (activated) without
first moving a pawn, and early in the
6-+-+-+-+&
game, when the center of the board is 5+-+-+-+-%
crowded with pawns and pieces, Knights 4-+-+-+-+$
can often exert more influence than 3+-+-+-+-#
Bishops due to their unique ability to 2PzPPzPPzPPzP"
jump over the intervening pawns and 1+-vL-mKL+-!
pieces. They are also the only chessmen, xabcdefghy
pawns or pieces, that can attack the Pawns & Bishops, T.P. 3.0
Queen without themselves being attacked
by the Queen. XABCDEFGHY
8-sn-+k+n+(
Some Tactical Problems 7zppzppzppzpp'
6-+-+-+-+&
XABCDEFGHY 5+-+-+-+-%
8-+-+k+-+( 4-+-+-+-+$
7zppzppzppzpp' 3+-+-+-+-#
6-+-+-+-+& 2PzPPzPPzPPzP"
5+-+-+-+-% 1+N+-mK-sN-!
4-+-+-+-+$ xabcdefghy
3+-+-+-+-# Pawns & Knights, T.P. 4.0
2PzPPzPPzPPzP"
1+-+-mK-+-! Two Special Moves
xabcdefghy
The Pawns Game, T.P 1.0
Castling
“Castling” is a special King move. It
is the only time a player may move two
pieces in the same turn (the King and one
of the Rooks). It is also the only time the
King may move more than one space. In
castling, the player moves his King two
squares toward one of his rooks and then
the Rook jumps over the King and is
placed right next to him, as shown in the
diagrams that follow.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 10

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+k+-tr( 8-+-+-trk+(
7+-+-+pzpp' 7+-+-+pzpp'
6-+-+-+-+& 6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-% 5+-+-+-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$ 4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-# 3+-+-+-+-#
2-+-+-zPPzP" 2-+-+-zPPzP"
1+-+-mK-+R! 1+-+-+RmK-!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
Before Kingside Castling After Kingside Castling

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8r+-+k+-+( 8-+ktr-+-+(
7zppzp-+-+-' 7zppzp-+-+-'
6-+-+-+-+& 6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-% 5+-+-+-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$ 4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-# 3+-+-+-+-#
2PzPP+-+-+" 2PzPP+-+-+"
1tR-+-mK-+-! 1+-mKR+-+-!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
Before Queenside Castling After Queenside Castling

Each player may castle only once during a game, and only when these conditions are met:
1. Castling must be the first move for both the King and the Rook involved.
2. There may be no pieces of either color between the King and the Rook involved.
3. The King may not castle out of check, into check, or through check.

Castling is a very important move move is legal, each player may castle on
which has two main purposes. First, it either the “kingside” or on the
allows you to place your King in a “safe” “queenside,” or not at all, no matter
location behind a “castle wall” of pawns. what the opponent does. I usually
Secondly, castling allows the development recommend castling, particularly in
of one Rook and its eventual connection to “open” games, and list it as one of the
the other Rook, or placement on an “open “Seven Things to Do in the First Ten
file” (a file with no pawns on it). When the Moves,” which are discussed later.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 11

“En Passant” Not wanting to give up the new first

move option (two spaces), but also not
This French phrase is used for a wanting to weaken the pawns which have
special move (an unusual pawn capture) advanced to the fifth rank, it was
that came about hundreds of years ago, as eventually agreed that any pawn which
part of a widespread rule change. moves two spaces on its first move, in
Understanding its history helps to make order to avoid capture, may still be
the move easier to remember for both captured “as if it had moved only one
beginners and experienced players. square.” Such a capture must be done
Originally pawns could only move immediately (on the next move).
one space forward, even on the first EFGHY EFGH
move. This made the opening proceed -+-+( -+-+(
very slowly. At some point players in +-+p' +-+p'
many areas started allowing the pawns to
move two spaces on the first move so as
-;{+& zP-+&
to speed up development. This idea +pzP-% +-+-%
quickly caught on and became “official.” -+-+$ -+-+$
After 1…f5, After 2.gxf6 e.p.,
However a problem soon became White to move. White captured.
apparent as some pawns could now avoid
capture by an enemy pawn (which had The French phrase “en passant”
advanced to its fifth rank) simply by means “in passing” and is used because
jumping over the square on which they the capturing pawn “passes” the captured
could be captured (Diagram). one when taking it.
EFGHY EFGH There are three conditions for making
-+-+( -+-+( an “en passant” pawn capture:
+p+p' +-+p' 1. The opposing pawn must move two
-+-+& -+{+& spaces.
+{zP{% +pzP-% 2. It must jump over the square
-+-+$ -+-+$ where it could normally be captured.
Before 1…f5, After 1…f5,
Black to move. White to move. 3. The capture must be made on the
immediate next turn.
Before the “en passant” rule either
pawn (above left) may advance two
squares and White is powerless to capture
(above right). This problem also led to
the formation of more pawn walls and
pawn chains that were impenetrable and
led to an increased number of draws.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 12

To summarize, in the next diagram, First, being able to record, and later
either one of the black pawns may move play over, your games enables you to look
two squares (to the black dot). Then for the mistakes that lead to losing.
White may capture either black pawn on Players who seek to improve look for
his next turn (by moving to the square better moves to use in similar positions in
with the appropriate star) as if the black the future. Playing over other peoples‟
pawn had moved only one square. If games also allows you to study and learn
White chooses not capture “en passant” from the greatest chessplayers of history.
immediately Black‟s pawn will be safe Recording of games is required in formal
from such a capture for the rest of the competition and provides written
game. evidence in case of disputes. Recorded
games may also be shown to your chess
XABCDEFGHY playing friends and family.
8-+-+-+-+( There are many different ways to
7+-+p+p+-' write chess moves. The most popular,
6-+-;-;-+& and easiest, method is called algebraic
5+-+{zP{+-% notation (although is has absolutely
nothing to do with algebra). The main
4-+-+-+-+$ idea is that every square on the board has
3+-+-+-+-# a name, as described earlier, like this:
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-! a b c d e f g h

xabcdefghy 8 a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8 8

“En Passant” Pawn Captures 7 a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7 7

6 a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6 6

5 a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5 5
Chess Notation (How & Why
to Read & Write Chess) 4 a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4 4

3 a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3 3
Recording and reading the moves of a 2 a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2 2
game is not difficult, and is the “key” to
1 a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1 1
chess improvement. However, it is not
a b c d e f g h
required in informal play, nor is it
necessary for the enjoyment of casual The Squares Named
play. If you wish, you may skip this
section for now and come back to it later.
However, knowing how to record and
read (play back) the moves allows you to
do several useful things and is required in
all our scholastic classes.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 13

XABCDEFGHY ending square for each move. Young

8-+-+-+-+( children should start using our “Large
7+-+-+-+-' Scoresheet,” which has larger spaces for
entering the moves. Remember to record
6-+-+-;-+& both players‟ moves; otherwise you will
5+-+-+-+-% not be able to re-play the game.
4-+-+{+-+$
Here is a short sample game, known
3+-+-+-+-# as “Legal‟s Mate,” with diagrams, using
2-+-+-+-+" simple notation:
1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy XABCDEFGHY
The Chessboard
8rsnlwqkvlntr(
It‟s really easy! Each square on the 7zppzpp+pzpp'
chessboard has a first name (a lower-case 6-+-+-+-+&
letter) and a last name (a number). These 5+-+-zp-+-%
identify the file (vertical column) and 4-+-+P+-+$
rank (horizontal row) on which the square 3+-+-+-+-#
is located. In the diagram the square “e4”
has a dot and the square “f6” has a star.
2PzPPzP-zPPzP"
1tRNvLQmKLsNR!
While notation may be written on any xabcdefghy
kind of paper, it is best to use a real After 1.e2-e4 e7-e5
“scoresheet.” They provide numbered
spaces for the moves, as well as space for (White‟s move is first, then Black‟s)
other game data that may be of interest.
Three different sized scoresheets may ABCDEFGHY
be downloaded and printed at no charge 8rsnlwqkvlntr(
from our website at www.chesscenter.net. 7zppzp-+pzpp'
At the time of this printing they are on 6-+-zp-+-+&
page “Students I.” If you prefer, 5+-+-zp-+-%
scoresheets and bound “score books” 4-+-+P+-+$
(about the size of our “small” scoresheets) 3+-+-+N+-#
may be purchased on many chess web 2PzPPzP-zPPzP"
sites on the internet.
1tRNvLQmKL+R!
There are several varieties of xabcdefghy
algebraic notation and I teach them all. After 2.g1-f3 d7-d6
The easiest for young children to learn I
call “Simple Notation.” It is also called
“Long Algebraic” notation. Using this, a
player simply writes the starting and
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 14

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8rsn-wqkvlntr( 8rsn-wq-vlntr(
7zppzp-+pzpp' 7zppzp-mkL+p'
6-+-zp-+-+& 6-+-zp-+p+&
5+-+-zp-+-% 5+-+-sN-+-%
4-+L+P+l+$ 4-+-+P+-+$
3+-+-+N+-# 3+-sN-+-+-#
2PzPPzP-zPPzP" 2PzPPzP-zPPzP"
1tRNvLQmK-+R! 1tR-vLlmK-+R!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
After 3.f1-c4 c8-g4 After 6.c4-f7 e8-e7

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8rsn-wqkvlntr( 8rsn-wq-vlntr(
7zppzp-+p+p' 7zppzp-mkL+p'
6-+-zp-+p+& 6-+-zp-+p+&
5+-+-zp-+-% 5+-+NsN-+-%
4-+L+P+l+$ 4-+-+P+-+$
3+-sN-+N+-# 3+-+-+-+-#
2PzPPzP-zPPzP" 2PzPPzP-zPPzP"
1tR-vLQmK-+R! 1tR-vLlmK-+R!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
After 4.b1-c3 g7-g6 After 7.c3-d5 checkmate

XABCDEFGHY With “simple notation” there are no

8rsn-wqkvlntr( special symbols for captures, checks or
7zppzp-+p+p' checkmate. Castling is recorded by
showing the King‟s move (ie. e1-g1, etc.)
6-+-zp-+p+& or writing out “castles kingside” (or
5+-+-sN-+-% “queenside”). Students in 3rd grade, or
4-+L+P+-+$ higher, may want to skip simple notation
3+-sN-+-+-# and begin using regular notation right
2PzPPzP-zPPzP" away.
1tR-vLlmK-+R! While “simple notation” is easy to
xabcdefghy teach, learn, and understand, it is actually
After 5.f3-e5 g4-d1 a bit awkward to use. The next step,
“algebraic notation,” requires the use of
a few additional abbreviations and
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 15

symbols, but is actually even simpler and algebraic notation. Play it over on a
quicker to use and read for play back once board:
you understand it and get in practice. De Legal – Saint Brie, Paris, 1750
Now, the pieces are each identified White Black
by a single, upper-case, letter, as follows:
1.e4 e5
K = King 2.Nf3 d6
Q = Queen
R = Rook 3.Bc4 Bg4
B = Bishop 4.Nc3 g6
N = Knight 5.Nxe5 Bxd1
Note that "P" is not used for a pawn. 6.Bxf7+ Ke7
Chessplayers have agreed that a move 7.Nd5#
without a piece-letter (such as 1.e4) is
understood to be a pawn move. Here are
Many chess books and periodicals do
just a few more symbols for use when
not print game scores in neat columns, as
recording:
shown here. It requires a great deal of
x = Take or Capture space and is not cost effective when
publishing large numbers of games.
0-0 = K-side castle Instead they use a format similar to
0-0-0 = Q-side castle paragraphs. Here is the same short game,
seen above, in this format. After the
+ = check
move number White‟s move is always
++ = double check given first:
# = checkmate De Legal – Saint Brie, Paris, 1750
And here are some symbols often 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 Bg4 4.Nc3
found in annotated games. g6 5.Nxe5 Bxd1 6.Bxf7+ Ke7 7.Nd5#
! = good move If a game score is interrupted by a
? = questionable/weak move diagram, annotation, etc., and resumes
with Black‟s move, it is customary to
?? = blunder indicate White‟s missing move with three
1-0 = White won dots, for example (from the previous
0-1 = Black won game) 5…Bxd1.

½-½ = Draw Here is another sample game to

practice reading notation. It is one of the
In using regular notation the starting most famous games ever played. Paul
square of the moving piece is usually not Morphy, from New Orleans, was the first
necessary. Here is the same game as American world champion (unofficial).
above, (without diagrams) using regular
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 16

He challenged and beat the best players in XABCDEFGHY

Europe and America about 150 years ago. 8r+-+kvl-tr(
Morphy,Paul - Duke of Brunswick & 7zp-+nwqpzpp'
Count Isouard [C41 Philidor’s Def.] 6-+-+-sn-+&
Paris - Opera House, 1858 5+L+-zp-vL-%
1. e4 e5 4-+-+P+-+$
2. Nf3 d6 3+Q+-+-+-#
3. d4 Bg4? [3...exd4] 2PzPP+-zPPzP"
4. dxe5 Bxf3 1tR-+-mK-+R!
5. Qxf3 dxe5 xabcdefghy
6. Bc4 Nf6?
7. Qb3 Qe7(Forced. Why?) 12. 0–0–0 Rd8
8. Nc3! 13. Rxd7! Rxd7
XABCDEFGHY 14. Rd1 Qe6
8rsn-+kvl-tr( 15. Bxd7+ Nxd7
7zppzp-wqpzpp' XABCDEFGHY
6-+-+-sn-+& 8-+-+kvl-tr(
5+-+-zp-+-% 7zp-+n+pzpp'
4-+L+P+-+$ 6-+-+q+-+&
3+QsN-+-+-# 5+-+-zp-vL-%
2PzPP+-zPPzP" 4-+-+P+-+$
1tR-vL-mK-+R! 3+Q+-+-+-#
xabcdefghy 2PzPP+-zPPzP"
1+-mKR+-+-!
8. ... c6
9. Bg5 b5? [9...Qc7]
xabcdefghy
XABCDEFGHY 16. Qb8+!! Nxb8
8rsn-+kvl-tr( 17. Rd8# 1–0 (White Wins)
7zp-+-wqpzpp'
6-+p+-sn-+& Set up and play through games like
5+p+-zp-vL-% this on your board to become familiar
4-+L+P+-+$ with chess notation. Try to figure out
3+QsN-+-+-# why each player made each move and see
2PzPP+-zPPzP" if you can identify mistakes. Also try to
1tR-+-mK-+R! identify good moves and strategies and
use them in your own games
xabcdefghy
10. Nxb5! cxb5
11. Bxb5+ Nbd7
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 17

2. A player whose King is “in

Check, Checkmate check” must get it out of check if
and Draws possible. Notice I did not say “move it
out of check.” “Moving” the King is only
one of three ways to get the King out of
The main goal in a game of chess is to check.
trap, or “checkmate,” your opponent‟s
King. In practicing with beginners we 3. A player whose King cannot get
sometimes allow the King to be captured out of check is “checkmated” and loses.
(ending the game). However, in “real” The term “checkmate” comes from the
chess the King is never actually captured. Persian “shah mat” meaning “the king is
When the King is attacked (“checked”) dead.”
and threatened with capture it must get
out of check immediately. If there is no The Three Ways to
way to get out of check then the position Get Out of Check
is a checkmate and the side that is
checkmated loses. Unlike attacks on the rest of the
pieces there are only three possible ways
that a player can get out of an attack on
The Three Rules of Check the King, or “check.” They are:
“Check” is the term used to indicate 1. It may be possible to capture the
that a King is being directly attacked. attacking piece.
The piece which is attacking is said to be
“giving check,” while the King is said to 2. It may be possible to “interpose”
be “in check.” Any piece may give check one of the player’s own pieces, or
except the other King. The following are “block” the attack.
the three rules of check: 3. It may be possible to move the
1. A player may never make a move King out of check.
which places his King “in check.” Any In any given position the three ways
square which is controlled by an enemy may not all be possible but a player
piece is like an “invisible wall” or “force should always look for as many ways as
field” to a King. A player may not move he can find before picking one. “First” is
“into check,” either by moving his King not always “best.” It is possible that
onto a square where it is exposed to an several ways to get out of check may exist
enemy attack, or by moving another piece at the same time so try to see them all
that screens, or blocks, the King from before you pick one.
attack. Any move which places your own The first way, “capturing” the
King into check is illegal and must be attacker is usually (but not always) the
retracted (taken back). Another move best …if you can do it. There may also
(with the same piece, if possible) must be more than one way to capture an
then be made. attacker (and don‟t forget that the King
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 18

may make a capture as long as he doesn‟t exact same “position” (with the same
move into check). player “to move”) to repeat three times
The second way, “blocking,” is never (not necessarily in a row) either player
possible when a Knight is giving check, (having the move) may claim a draw.
when there is a double check (check by This includes a type of draw popularly
two pieces at once), or when the attacker known as “perpetual check,” where one
is right next to the King. However there player can continuously check his
may be as many as five or six ways to opponent but cannot (or doesn‟t know
block some checks. Again, remember how to) achieve checkmate.
“first” is not always “best.” Look for all 4. Draw by agreement. If both players
the ways before choosing a move. believe that there is no chance to force a
The third way, “moving” the King, is win (or they‟re just too tired) they may
what most beginners think of first. But it agree to a draw. A player may “offer” a
is often the worst way, especially if you draw after making his move. The
haven‟t castled yet. Always remember opponent may accept the offer, or make a
“first” is not always “best” so slow move (which declines the offer), in reply.
down. Look for all the ways to get out of
check before choosing your move. 5. The Fifty Move Rule. If fifty moves
have been made without a pawn being
moved or a man being captured a draw
Five Types of “Draw” (Tie) may be claimed. This rule is used almost
exclusively in tournaments as it requires
“All stalemates are draws, but not all an accurate move count. Coaches should
draws are stalemates.” A stalemate is use their discretion for limiting the
only one of five types of draw. They are: number of moves in cases where a player
1. Stalemate. If the King is not in check, seems not to know how to achieve a mate.
but the player cannot make any legal
move on his turn, the position is called a
“stalemate” and the game is scored as a Other Chess Rules
“draw,” or tie.
2. Draw by insufficient material. When There are more rules to learn for
neither player has enough material (i.e. tournament play but these are the
pieces) to force a checkmate (for “basics.” Players may purchase a copy of
example, only King vs. King, King & the complete “official” rules of chess
Knight vs. King, etc.). A King and a from the United States Chess Federation
“major piece” (Queen or Rook) may force (USCF) www.uschess.org.
a checkmate from most positions whereas Students may also access the free
a King and a “minor piece” (Bishop or “Practice Site” by a link on our website.
Knight) may not. It is sponsored by USCF, C&O Family
3. Draw by threefold repetition. When Chess Center and Chess Magnet School.
players make moves which cause the
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 19

to give checkmate. The White King is

Some Basic Checkmates not shown as he is not necessary to the
The main goal in a game of chess is to mate. The three elements are as follows:
trap, or “checkmate,” your opponent‟s
King. There are several basic checkmates a) The opposing King (Black) is on an
(“mates” for short) that are indispensible edge of the board (the a-file).
for new players. Understanding them can b) One Rook (on b2) creates the
give a player the first glimmerings of “invisible wall” trapping the
planning and strategy in the journey that opposing King on the edge.
is a chess game (or career). Conversely, c) The other Rook (a8) gives a check
if you don‟t know what your destination along the a-file (“parallel,” or side
is (what the mates look like) how will you by side, to the b-file), and far
know which way to go (or what to take enough away to avoid capture.
with you)?
The three basic mates we will These three elements are common in
examine all involve the “major pieces,” or all two-Rook mates. Notice that this
Rooks, and Queen. In two of the three the position could be rotated to all sides of
King is also required. We will start with the chessboard and the pieces could be in
the most basic mate, in which the use of many different arrangements if all three
the King is optional (not required but your elements and conditions are met. For
choice). All three may be practiced on example the Black King could be on a5 or
the C&O/USCF/CMS Practice Site. a4 with no change in the Rooks. The
“wall” Rook could be on b1, b3, or b4
(but not b8. Why not?*), and the mating
Two Rook Checkmate Rook could be on a4, a3 or a1 (but not a2.
Why not?*). *The answers are at the end
XABCDEFGHY of this section (page 23).
8R+-+-+-+(
Once a player grasps the relationship
7+-+-+-+-' of the three elements the question
6k+-+-+-+& becomes “How can one drive (by force)
5+-+-+-+-% the opposing King to an edge of the board
4-+-+-+-+$ and then mate him?” The key lies in the
3+-+-+-+-# Rooks‟ ability to project the “invisible
wall” as I have called it in our program.
2-tR-+-+-+" This ability to “block” the opposing King
1+-+-+-+-! is just as important as the actual act of
xabcdefghy giving “check.” Consider the following
Black is checkmated. diagram, where White‟s Rook already has
an invisible wall on the 4th rank, and ask
In this diagram we have the three yourself “How can I force the opposing
“elements,” or parts, which are combined King to an edge?” Notice that 1.Rc5+
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 20

allows …Kd4, and the opposing King not been forced to the 6th rank. He chose d6
only stays in the center of the board but to prevent 2.Rc6+.
attacks the Rook as well. 2.Ra4 Kc6 3.Ra6+ Kb7
XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8-+{+-+-tR( 8-+-+-+-+(
7+-}-+-+-' 7+k+-+-+-'
6-+{+-+-+& 6R}{}{}{}&
5+-}-mk-+-% 5}{}{}{}R%
4{}R}{}{}$ 4-+ +-+-+$
3+-}-+-+-# 3+-+-+-+-#
2K+{+-+-+" 2K+-+-+-+"
1+-}-+-+-! 1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
White to move. After 3…Kb7
There are actually two different, and 4.Rg6
distinct approaches to such a problem.
One is known as “Rolling Rooks” or the XABCDEFGHY
“steamroller” approach. The other is what 8-+-+-+-+(
we call the “Box Mate.” The one most 7+k+-+-+-'
often taught to beginners is rolling Rooks
so we will begin with that.
6{}{}{}R}&
5+-+-+-+R%
Rolling Rooks 4-+ +-+-+$
1.Rh5+ Kd6 3+-+-+-+-#
XABCDEFGHY 2K+-+-+-+"
8-+-+-+-+( 1+-+-+-+-!
7+-+-+-+-' xabcdefghy
After 4.Rg6
6-+-mk-+-+&
After this move it does not matter
5}{}{}{}R% what Black does. White is poised for a
4-+R+-+-+$ checkmate in two moves, 5. Rh7
3+-+-+-+-# (trapping the black King on the 8th rank)
2K+-+-+-+" and 6.Rg8# (giving mate with a parallel
1+-+-+-+-! check. Diagram next page)
xabcdefghy 4…Kc7 5.Rh7+ Kd8 6.Rg8#
After 1…Kd6
White has replaced the invisible wall
given by the Rook on c4 by a parallel
check along the 5th rank. Black‟s King has
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 21

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8-+-mk-+R+( 8-+-tR +-+(
7}{}{}{}R' 7+-+{+-+-'
6-+-+-+-+& 6-+-}-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-% 5+-+{mk-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$ 4{}R}{}{}$
3+-+-+-+-# 3+-+{+-+-#
2K+-+-+-+" 2K+-}-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-! 1+-+{+-+-!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
Black is checkmated After 1.Rd8 A smaller “box.”

1…Ke6 2.Rc5 (Next Diagram) [This

The “Box” (Two Rook Mate) makes the box smaller (or if 1…Kf6 then
2.Re8 still making the box smaller).]
XABCDEFGHY
8-+{+-+-tR( XABCDEFGHY
7+-}-+-+-' 8-+-tR +-+(
6-+{+-+-+& 7+-+{+-+-'
5+-}-mk-+-% 6-+-}k+-+&
4{}R}{}{}$ 5}{tR{}{}{%
3+-}-+-+-# 4-+-}-+-+$
2K+{+-+-+" 3+-+{+-+-#
1+-}-+-+-! 2K+-}-+-+"
xabcdefghy 1+-+{+-+-!
White to move. “The Box.” xabcdefghy
After 2.Rc5 Black to move.

1.Rd8 (Diagram next column.)

The black King is in the corner of the
Notice that, even without a “check” box, again.
Black‟s King is in the “corner” of a box
created by “perpendicular” (the opposite 2…Ke7 [Attacking the d-Rook who is
of parallel) invisible walls from the two inside the box.] 3.Rd1 [Retreating out of
white Rooks. If you look closely you will the box.] 3…Ke6 [Away from the edge.]
see that the d-Rook is “inside” the box, 4.Rd2 [A “waiting move,” which forces
while the c-Rook is “outside the box. Black to move away from the corner of
This means that the c-Rook cannot be the box.]
approached or attacked by Black‟s King, This move puts Black in a position
who may only move to three squares (e6, called “zugzwang,” a German chess term
f6, and f5). which means “the compulsion to move.”
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 22

You are said to be “in zugzwang” when It is particularly important for new
any move you do makes your position players to fully understand the last two
worse. (Diagram) moves, and the possible errors that could
be made, so as to avoid stalemate.
XABCDEFGHY
8-+-} +-+( XABCDEFGHY
7+-+{+-+-' 8-+-+-tR-mk(
6-+-}k+-+& 7+-+R+-+-'
5}{tR{}{}{% 6-+-+-+-+&
4-+-}-+-+$ 5+-+-+-+-%
3+-+{+-+-# 4-+-+-+-+$
2K+-tR-+-+" 3+-+-+-+-#
1+-+{+-+-! 2K+-+-+-+"
xabcdefghy 1+-+-+-+-!
After 4.Rd2 Black to move. xabcdefghy
Now both Rooks are “outside” the Black is checkmated, 1-0.
box. Black may try to stall but all is in
vain if White is careful.
XABCDEFGHY
4…Kf6 5.Re2 Kg7 6.Rf2 Kg6 8-+-+-+-mk(
[requiring another “waiting move” from 7+-+R+-+-'
White] (Diagram – Can you “see” the 6-+-+-+-+&
invisible walls and the box?)
5+-+-+-+-%
XABCDEFGHY 4-+-+-+-+$
8-+-+-+-+( 3+-+-+-+-#
7+-+-+-+-' 2K+-+-+R+"
6-+-+-+k+&
1+-+-+-+-!
5+-tR-+-+-% xabcdefghy
4-+-+-+-+$ Black is stalemated, ½-½.
3+-+-+-+-#
2K+-+-tR-+" The Rolling Rooks Mate is perhaps
1+-+-+-+-! easier to grasp, but both can provide
xabcdefghy insight into the power of Rooks,
After 6…Kg6. White to move. especially when working together. As
7.Rd5 [A waiting move that puts always in chess, you need to take your
Black in “zugzwang” again.] 7…Kg7 time to avoid careless mistakes.
8.Rd6 [Making the box smaller] 8...Kg8
Two Rooks with a King
9.Rd7 Kh8 [forced] 10. Rf8# 1-0
(Diagram next column) [NOT 10.Rg2?? Two Rooks are sufficient to force a
Stalemate] (Diagram next column) checkmate against a lone opposing King.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 23

However, there are always two Kings on XABCDEFGHY

the board. Although he is not required, 8-tR-+-+-+(
there are situations where the location of 7+-+-+-+-'
your King can reduce the number of
moves required for a mate. This is due
6-+-mK-+-+&
entirely to a King‟s own “invisible wall” 5+-+-+-+-%
(Diagram) and its ability to replace either 4-+-mk-+-+$
the edge of the board or one of the 3+-+-+R+-#
Rooks‟ invisible walls. 2-+-+-+-+"
XABCDEFGHY 1+-+-+-+-!
8-+-+{mk{+( xabcdefghy
7+-+-}{}-' a) White mates in one move.
6-+-+-+-+& XABCDEFGHY
5+-+-+-+-% 8-tr-+-+-+(
4-+{}{+-+$ 7+-+-+-+-'
3+-}K}-+-# 6-+-+-+-+&
2-+{}{+-+" 5+-+-+r+-%
1+-+-+-+-! 4-+K+-+-+$
xabcdefghy 3+-+-+-+-#
The Kings’ moves
2-+-mk-+-+"
XABCDEFGHY 1+-+-+-+-!
8-+-+-+-+( xabcdefghy
b) Black mates in two moves.
7+-+-+-+-'
6-+{}{+-+&
5+-}km}-+-% *Answer to questions on p.19:
4-+-+-+-+$ Both Rooks could not be on the same
3+-}K}-+-# rank, in this position, because the
2-+{}{+-+" “mating” Rook must have moved from
1+-+-+-+-! another square on that same rank, and
xabcdefghy cannot have jumped over his own man.
Neither King may move
next to the other. Solutions to mate problems:
Here are some positions where you a) 1.Rb4# b) 1…Rg5 [or any other
can mate away from the edge of the board “waiting” move] 2.Kd4 2.Rb4#
due to the position of the King. Try to
figure them out in your head. Solutions
follow.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 24

2. The Queen checks (kisses) the

“King and Queen” Checkmate King while also guarding his
I present this basic mate next because “flight squares.
it is easier to master than the one using 3. The Queen is protected from
only the King and a Rook. People often capture by the presence of her
erroneously refer to these two mates as King.
the “Queen Mate” and the “One-Rook
Mate.” I always try to include reference However, to get to these positions
to the King in both cases due to the many there are several differences from the
times I have watched as students vainly Rook mates and new “principles” to be
chased, and checked, the opposing King learned.
into stalemate, threefold repetition, or First, The Queen is the only piece that
some other drawn game (often from sheer may force the opposing King to an edge
exhaustion). In both of these mates the by itself. She does this not by “checks”
role of the King is “essential” to the but by the use of her invisible walls to
outcome. Both are easier to understand if block the King and “herd” him (like
you have fully mastered the Two-Rook herding sheep) to the desired location.
Mate. Use the free “Practice Site” on our
This is accomplished by first
Website for this.
positioning herself a Knight‟s move from
There are many possible checkmates the King as in the following diagram.
involving the King and Queen. The main Note that the black King has only three
one we teach I call the “Kiss of Death” squares to move to.
mate, and here are several examples.
XABCDEFGHY
XABCDEFGHY 8-+-+-+-+(
8-+-+-mk-+( 7+-mK-+-+-'
7+-+-+Q+-' 6{}{}{wQ-+&
6-+-+-mK-+& 5+-+k}{+-%
5+-mK +-+-% 4-+-}-}-+$
4kwQ-+-+-+$ 3+-}-+{+-#
3+-+-+k+-# 2-}-+-}-+"
2-+-+-+qmK" 1}-+-+{+-!
1+-+-+-+-! xabcdefghy
xabcdefghy Black to move.
Three “Kiss of Death” checkmates. No matter which move Black chooses
As with the Two-Rook mates, there White has only to mimic the move to as to
are three elements in play here: maintain the Knight‟s move distance.
Black will be slowly squeezed (herded or
1. The opposing King has been driven
pushed) to an edge. For example, if
to an edge of the board.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 25

1…Ke4 then 2.Qg5; if 1…Kc5 then Therefore (from the diagram), if

2.Qe6; if 1…Kc4 then 2.Qe5. 1…Kg1 2.Qd2! traps him; and likewise if
In this way you may always force the 1…Kh1 2.Qd2! (or 2.Qg4! but NOT
opposing King to an edge eventually. 2.Qf2?? still Stalemate).
There are several “problems” that may be The first part of the mate is complete
encountered using this method. All when the King is trapped against one edge
demonstrate the need to “think” about of the board. It is then a simple matter to
your moves, rather than simply trying to march your King to the appropriate
memorize a method or series of moves. square where he may support his Queen.
Those who move without thinking may be For inexperienced players I have
led into traps for the unwary and find they designated four “Golden Squares” (c3, c6,
have given up a win that should have f3, and f6) for your King. (Diagram)
come easily. The most common errors XABCDEFGHY
may lead to stalemate, or as I call it “The 8-+-+-+-+(
curse of the impulsive Queen.” Consider 7+-+-+-+-'
this position. Black‟s King has been
slowly forced into corner by the white
6-+,+-;-+&
Queen using the method just described. 5+-+-+-+-%
(Diagram) 4-+-+-+-+$
3+-;-+,+-#
+-+-+-% 2-+-+-+-+"
-+-wQ{}$ 1+-+-+-+-!
+-+{}-# xabcdefghy
-+-}k}" The “Golden Squares”
+-+{+-! From each of these Golden Squares a
cdefghy King can protect his Queen on five
Black to move. squares next to the edge, allowing her to
Now, if 1…Kh3 then 2.Qg5! traps the deliver the “Kiss of Death” to an
King on the h-file; but if 1…Kg1 then opposing King on any of the seven
2.Qf3? allows Black to shuffle between squares bordering that quadrant (quarter)
g1 and h2 until White comes up with a of the board.
different plan; and if 1…Kh1 then blindly Notice that these are also the four
playing 2.Qg3?? gives Stalemate. “Knight Squares” that form the corners of
A “thinking” player should always the “Center” of the board. Knights
remember that “when the opposing developed to these squares each cover
King reaches an edge you should two of the “Four Critical Squares” (d4,
immediately create the invisible wall d5, e4, and e5).
that traps him” (leaving him at least one
space free to move into).
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 26

Now let‟s look at some positions XABCDEFGHY

where the opposing King is already on an 8-+-+k+-+(
edge and you need to figure out the 7+-+-+-+-'
quickest way to mate (but not necessarily 6-+-mK-+-+&
the “Kiss of Death”). Try to visualize 5+-+Q+-+-%
your answers before setting up a board. 4-+-+-+-+$
Remember the best practice is to sit at a
3+-+-+-+-#
board with a real opponent and set up
different positions. Take turns trying to
2-+-+-+-+"
checkmate each other. From the 1+-+-+-+-!
“defensive” position remember “try to xabcdefghy
stay in the center or lead to a stalemate.” White mates in 1.

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+( 8-+-+-+-+(
7+-+-+-+-' 7+-+-+-+-'
6-+-+-+-+& 6-+-+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-% 5mk-mK-+-+-%
4-wQ-mK-+-+$ 4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+-+-+-# 3+-+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+" 2-+-+-+-+"
1mk-+-+-+-! 1+-+Q+-+-!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
White mates in 2. White mates in 1.

XABCDEFGHY XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+( 8-+-+-+-mK(
7+-+-+-+-' 7+-+-+-+-'
6-+-+-+-+& 6-+-+-+q+&
5+-wq-+-+-% 5+-+-mk-+-%
4-+-+-+-+$ 4-+-+-+-+$
3+-+-+k+-# 3+-+-+-+-#
2-+-+-+-+" 2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-mK-+-! 1+-+-+-+-!
xabcdefghy xabcdefghy
Black mates in 1. Black mates in 3.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 27

“King and Rook” Checkmate obvious. There are two basic positions
involved in this mate. One involves the
From the preceding two lessons, and opposing King in a corner, the other has
your practice sessions, you should have the opposing King on any other edge
learned that: square. Let us look at that situation first.
1. Not all “checks” are “good checks.” Recall the following diagram:
2. “Invisible walls” often are more XABCDEFGHY
important than actual checks. 8-+-+-+-+(
3. When making a move that doesn‟t 7+-+-+-+-'
give check, make sure your opponent 6-+{}{+-+&
can make a move (avoid stalemate). 5+-}km}-+-%
Now we come to what is considered 4-+-+-+-+$
the most difficult of the three “basic” 3+-}K}-+-#
mates. And yet it need not be so. If you 2-+{}{+-+"
have mastered the principles and are 1+-+-+-+-!
familiar with the basic elements involved xabcdefghy
you will soon master this “King and One- Neither King may move
Rook” mate as well. You should be able next to the other.
to do these three mates in about fifteen
moves, or less (often much less) from any This shows the two Kings in a
position set up on a board. position known as “opposition.” This
Knowing the principles and concept is very important in chess and
recognizing the various elements will often somewhat confusing, even to many
allow you to begin to find mating good players. Whether the opposition is
positions with more pieces still on the good or bad depends on what you are
board. You will begin to “foresee,” or trying to do and also on “whose move” it
visualize, that a certain series of moves is. When you can check with the Rook in
will put you into positions that you are this position, your opponent must retreat.
familiar with, and from which you may As you get better you will learn more
force the ending that you want. about opposition (direct, distant, diagonal,
Reflect on what you already know and rectangular) and why you should care
about two-Rook mates. Perhaps review about it. For now it is enough to know
the positions with two Rooks and a King. that each King has a short (three spaces)
The “three elements” of this mate are the invisible wall that is the key to this
two Kings and one Rook. Ask yourself, checkmate.
“If my King must replace one of the The following diagram illustrates a
Rooks for the final position which one basic King and Rook mate. Notice that
shall it be? Will my King be making the the condition of opposition is what keeps
invisible wall, or delivering the the checkmated King from escaping. The
checkmate?” The answer should be position could be rotated to any side of
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 28

the board and the mating Rook could be attack, trying to remain close to the
on any 8th rank square that was not next to center.
Black‟s King. But the White King must XABCDEFGHY
8-+-+-+-+(
XABCDEFGHY 7+-+-+-+-'
8-+-mk-tR-+( 6-+-+-+-+&
7+-+-+-+-' 5}R}k}{}{%
6-+-mK-+-+& 4-+-}{}-+$
5+-+-+-+-% 3+-+{mK-+-#
Black is checkmated.
2-+-}-+-+"
1+-+-+-+-!
be “opposite” the Black King to prevent xabcdefghy
his escape. Bringing that condition about After 3.Rb5+ Black to move.
is the “tricky” part.
3…Kc6 Attacking the Rook. 4.Re5
XABCDEFGHY Escaping, and making a smaller “box.”
8-tR-+-+-+( 4…Kd7 5.Ke4 Kd6 Toward the center
7+-+-+-+-' but into the corner of the box. 6.Kd4 A
6-+-+-+-+& waiting move putting Black in
5+-+k+-+-% “zugzwang” (Diagram). Any move
4-+-+-+-+$ allows White to make the box smaller.
3+-+-+-+-# XABCDEFGHY
2-+-+-+-+" 8-+-+{+-+(
1+-+-+-mK-! 7+-+-}-+-'
xabcdefghy 6-+-mk{+-+&
White to move and win.
5}{}{tR-+-%
The first part of these basic mates is 4-+-mK-+-+$
always “drive the opposing King to an 3+-+-+-+-#
edge.” This is done in steps. First get 2-+-+-+-+"
him out of the center. Try playing the 1+-+-+-+-!
following moves on a board. xabcdefghy
After 6.Kd4 Black to move.
1.Kf2 Ke5 2.Ke3 Kd5 3.Rb5+!
(Diagram next page) This check forces
the Black King out of the heart of the Now, if 6…Kc6 then 7.Rd5!
center. He has to choose from only four if 6…Kc7 then 7.Kc5!
squares (c4, c6, d6, or e6). Each moves
him closer to an edge. He can attack if 6…Kd7 then 7.Kc5!
White‟s Rook or simply flee from the In every case the “box” is made
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 29

smaller, forcing the black King towards But with White‟s King on the
the edge or corner. For our example we “Golden Square” there is no escape after
will use the third option, 6…Kd7 7.Kc5! 10.Re8+ Ka7 [Around the corner.]
XABCDEFGHY 11.Rd8 [A “cut off” and waiting move as
8-+-+{+-+( Black is again in zugzwang.] …Ka6
7+-+k}-+-' 12.Ra8# (Diagram)
6-}{}{+-+& XABCDEFGHY
5+-mK-tR-+-% 8R+-+-+-+(
4-+-+-+-+$ 7+-+-+-+-'
After 7.Kc5 Black to move.
6k+K+-+-+&
5+-+-+-+-%
In this diagram we illustrate the 4-+-+-+-+$
principle of “cutting off.” That is 3+-+-+-+-#
actually the basic principle of all the 2-+-+-+-+"
“invisible walls” but here is a special case
where White‟s King creates the “pushing”
1+-+-+-+-!
wall (on b6, c6, and d6) while his Rook xabcdefghy
Black is checkmated.
“cuts off the opposing King‟s main
escape (around the white King‟s short
wall. Notice that White‟s Rook could be One of the keys here is “flexibility.”
anywhere from e1 to e5 and still “cut off” Your opponent may try to escape back
Black‟s escape. Black finds himself in into the middle or attack your Rook at any
zugzwang again! At this time you should time. When you are the defender both are
be able to “visualize” (imagine in your good choices. However, if the attacker
mind) the White follow ups to all three of knows what he, or she (always), is doing
Black‟s possible moves: there can be no escape. The “opposition,”
the “cut off,” and the “waiting move” are
a) 7…Kc7 8.R87+! all essential principles to understand for
b) 7…Kc8 8.Kc6! mates with the King and one Rook.
c) 7…Kd8 8.Kc6! They are some of the “key concepts”
We‟ll go with 7…Kc7 8.R87+! Kc8 which will allow you to find “mating
9.Kc6 Kb8 Looking for an “around the nets” in many positions, with more pieces
corner” escape. (Diagram) and pawns present, perhaps even in the
opening and middlegame. Visualizing
XABCDEFGHY future positions or a specific sequence of
8-mk-+-+-+( moves is a skill which may be practiced
7+-+-tR-+-' and improved. It is one of the many
6-+K+-+-+& aspects of chess which can be transferred
to your other daily activities as well.
5+-+-+-+-%
After 9...Kb8 White to move.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 30

Piece Values, Safety

 Pawn = 1 Pawn
and Counting  Knight = 3 Pawns
When asked “Who is ahead?” in any  Bishop = 3 Pawns
given position many novice (beginner)  Rook = 5 Pawns
players will simply count the men who  Queen = 9 Pawns
have been captured. For example, if
A few years ago GM (Grand Master)
White has captured only three men and Larry Kaufman conducted an extensive
Black has captured five, Black must be statistical study which enabled him to
winning! However, if White has captured revise these values more accurately. We
a Rook, a Bishop and a Knight while his will not go into the resulting changes
opponent has captured only four pawns
(“Kaufman” values) in detail as they are
and a Bishop, more experienced players
not useful for students at this level.
realize that White has a winning “material However, the addition of a + sign
advantage” (all other considerations (indicating “a little bit”) or ++ (“two little
aside). bits”), may be of some benefit.
Many new players instinctively Here are our slightly modified C&O
understand that some of the chessmen are “strength values”:
stronger than others (although often
confused about why? and how much?).  Pawn = 1 Pawn
Some inexperienced players frequently  Knight = 3+ Pawns
have no second thoughts about snatching  Bishop = 3++ Pawns
a pawn and losing a Bishop or a Rook (or  Rook = 5 Pawns
even the Queen). Other beginners may  Queen = 9+++ Pawns
freely give away pawns because they ° King = 3-4 Pawns (the King’s
don‟t understand their value, or proper game-value is “everything”)
use. These are errors we will try to
correct with this section by first learning Keep in mind that the use of either set
about the relative “material values” of the of values is subjective, as the values are
pawns and pieces. “relative” and subject to modification by
In order for this to be less complicated the circumstances of a position. For
it is necessary to define several basic example, an undeveloped Rook, blocked
terms and ideas. First is the relative by pawns and undeveloped minor pieces,
“value” (or strength) of the different may be worth much less than a well-
chessmen. There are several ways of placed Knight, or Bishop, dominating
expressing the relative values of pawns important central squares. In an endgame
and pieces. Most students learn the you may discover that pawns become
following average values (also known as increasingly more valuable as they come
the “Reinfeld” values, after author, Fred closer to promoting. As your experience
Reinfeld, who popularized them): grows you will learn more about specific
advantages or problems for different
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 31

pieces and situations. But for now be In an actual chess game it is very
content with understanding these as possible that multiple squares may be
“average” values. involved in exchanges. We are going to
One of the most important ideas in concentrate, here, on “one-square”
chess, after learning the moves, is counting, that is examining a sequence of
“safety.” NM (National Master) Dan exchanges on one square only. This is
Heisman names it the “single most enough to learn the basic principle.
important” concept. This term has many The most common misconception is
differing meanings in chess and players that counting is simply “knowing the
need to become familiar with them all. value of the pawns and pieces.” In
Directly tied to our discussion of safety is actuality that is only the start. It is the
the idea of “piece values” and “counting.” ability to “visualize” and “analyze” that is
We can define “safety” from both a most important.
defensive and an offensive standpoint. Consider a black pawn on the square
NM Heisman states that (defensively) “a d5, as in this diagram:
position is „safe‟ when there is no way XABCDEFGHY
that “material”l may be lost for free, or 8-+-+-+-+(
exchanged for something worth less 7+-+-+-+-'
than what was lost.”
6-+-+-+-+&
From an offensive standpoint you 5+-+p+-+-%
want to “win” material from your 4-+-+-+-+$
opponent. The easiest way to do this is to
3+-+-+-+-#
take a pawn or piece off for free.
Anything that may be captured this way is
2-+-+-+-+"
said to be “en prise” ( pronounced ON- 1+-+-+-+-!
PREEZ, a French term). Finding or xabcdefghy
leaving “en prise” captures is not the most A black pawn on d5.
common way of gaining or losing In these exercises we will be trying to
material. The most common way for determine whether, or not, the pawn is
beginner and intermediate players to lose safe. Remember, “a position is „safe‟
material is not even from the tactics they when there is no way that “material”
learn (such as pins, forks, skewers, etc.) may be lost for free, or exchanged for
but simply from errors of “counting,” something worth less than what was
usually based on faulty analysis or poor lost.” In this diagram the pawn is “safe”
visualization skills. because there is nothing attacking it.
What is “counting?” Simply put, Before we continue I want to explain
counting is the ability to foresee the difference between the two terms
(calculate/visualize) whether or not any “attack” and “threat.” Here is a position
possible sequence of exchanges, on a from an opening that can lead to
given square, can lose (or gain) material. “Scholar‟s Mate (also known as the
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 32

“Four-Move Checkmate”) That‟s the best way to improve your

XABCDEFGHY visualization skill.
8rsnlwqkvlntr( This board shows only the pawn on
7zppzpp+pzpp' d5 and no other men because we will only
6-+-+-+-+& include pawns or pieces directly involved
5+-+-zp-+Q% in the example. It should be understood
4-+-+P+-+$ that (in a real game) there are always
other men (at the very least the Kings) on
3+-+-+-+-# the board.
2PzPPzP-zPPzP" XABCDEFGHY
1tRNvL-mKLsNR! 8-+-+-+-+(
xabcdefghy 7+-+-+-+-'
After 2.Qh5 Black to move.
6-+-+-+-+&
White‟s Queen is “attacking” three 5+-+p+-+-%
pawns (it could capture, or “take” the 4-+-+-+-+$
pawns on e5, f7, and h7 on its next move) 3+-+-+-+-#
but is only “threatening” one of them. 2-+-+-+-+"
The pawns on f7 and h7 are both 1+-+-+-+-!
protected. The one on e5 is not. xabcdefghy
Therefore, the e5-pawn is threatened. If A black pawn on d5.
the threat is not dealt with properly the
pawn may be lost (for example, if XABCDEFGHY
2…g6?? [attacking the Queen] then 8-+-+-+-+(
3.Qxe5+ [“forking” Black‟s King and 7+-+-+-+-'
Rook]). Visualize this in your head. A
“threat” happens not just with an attack
6-+-+-+-+&
(sometimes) but any time you can make a 5+-+p+-+-%
“good” move on your next turn and 4-+-+-+-+$
particularly “winning material.” 3+-+-+-+-#
These exercises will all depend on
2-+-+-+-+"
“visualization.” When playing a game 1+-+-+-+R!
you are not allowed to move the pieces xabcdefghy
around on the board while searching for White to move..
your move. As I often repeat to my Now there is a White Rook on the
students, “Look with your eyes, NOT board. If it should move 1.Rd1 it would
with your fingers!” Or sometimes be attacking, and threatening, the pawn.
“Think with your brain, NOT with your However, at the moment the pawn is still
fingers!” We always play with the “safe.”
“touch-move” rule, even in practice,
unless specifically stated otherwise.
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 33

XABCDEFGHY than what was lost.”

8-+-+-+-+( NM Heisman has had the experience
7+-+-+-+-' of all coaches who teach beginners:
6-+-+-+-+& “Very often, when I teach beginners,
5+-+p+-+-% they don‟t like to trade Queens. They
4-+-+-+-+$ like their Queens on the board and
3+-+-+-+-# when they trade their Queens I ask
them if their Queen is safe and they say
2-+-+-+-+" „No! It‟s not safe because he can take
1+-+R+-+ ! it!‟ But they‟re wrong because if they
xabcdefghy can take it right back… if their Queen
White to move.. takes your Queen and you can take
their Queen right back it‟s just what we
In this diagram the pawn is not safe, would call a „fair trade‟ [equal
as it can simply be captured (1.Rxd5) and exchange]. A fair trade means the
taken off the board. These were simple piece IS safe. This is a very important
examples. Now let‟s look at some thing to note because a lot of beginners
examples where the pawn is guarded. think if something can be taken off the
board it‟s not safe. That‟s only true if
XABCDEFGHY there‟s „win of material‟ involved.”
8-+-+-+-+( However, that doesn‟t mean that an
7+-+-+-+-' even exchange (fair trade) can‟t be good,
6-+p+ +-+& or bad, for you. Other factors must
5+-+p+-+-% always be taken into account. As you
gain experience these factors (such as
4-+-+P+-+$ position, piece mobility, etc.) will become
3+-+-+-+-# more familiar to you.
2-+-+-+-+"
1+-+-+-+ ! XABCDEFGHY
xabcdefghy 8-+-tr-+-+(
White to move.
7+-+-+-+-'
Is the pawn on d5 safe? It is attacked 6-+-+-+-+&
by White‟s pawn… but it is protected by 5+-+p+-+-%
the pawn on c6. It‟s true, White could 4-+-+-+-+$
take on d5, but Black could simply take 3+-+-+-+-#
back. This would be an “even exchange” 2-+-+-+-+"
of pawns so, by our definition, the pawn 1+-+R+-+ !
on d5 IS safe. Remember, again, “a
position is „safe‟ when there is no way
xabcdefghy
White to move.
that “material” may be lost for free, or
exchanged for something worth less In the above diagram the pawn IS safe
The C&O Chess Journal: A guide… 34

as simple counting shows. 1.Rxd5 1...cxd5 [Black +4] and if 2.Rxd5??

[White is ahead by +1 (pawn)] …RxRd5 [Black +3] …RxRd5 [then Black is +8].
[now Black is ahead by +4 (Rook vs. Yes, the pawn is safe!
pawn).
XABCDEFGHY
XABCDEFGHY 8-+-tr-+-+(
8-+-tr-+-+( 7+-+-+-+-'
7+-+-+-+-' 6-+p+-+-+&
6-+-+-+-+& 5+-+p+-tR %
5+-+p+-tR % 4-+-+-+-+$
4-+-+-+-+$ 3+Q+-+-+-#
3+-+-+-+-# 2-+-+-+-+"
2-+-+-+-+" 1+-+R+-+ !
1+-+R+-+ ! xabcdefghy
xabcdefghy White to move.
White to move.
Is the pawn safe? White has three
Is the pawn safe? No, it‟s not. attackers and Black only has two
1.Rgxd5 [White is ahead by +1]. Now it defenders. Does this matter? If 1.Rgxd5
does not matter whether Black recaptures [White +1] …cxd5 [Black +4] 2.Rxd5
or moves away. If he does recapture, [Black +3] …RxRd5 [Black +8]
1…RxRd5, he will be ahead by +4 only 3.QxRd5 [Black still +3]. The pawn IS
until 2.RxRd5 and White will still be safe! Were you able to visualize the
ahead by +1. whole sequence in your head?
This has been only an “introduction”
XABCDEFGHY to safety and counting. Remember that
8-+-tr-+-+( the “key” here, as in all chess moves, is
7+-+-+-+-' “visualization.” The more you are able to
6-+p+-+-+& “see” inside your head, the better you can
5+-+p+-tR % “count” and determine if a position or
4-+-+-+-+$ move is “safe.” Remember to “look with
3+-+-+-+-# your eyes, NOT with your fingers.” The
only exceptions we make to the default
2-+-+-+-+" (normal) “touch-move” rule is when
1+-+R+-+ ! playing “blitz,” “bughouse,” or some
xabcdefghy other variant. Then we might specifically
White to move. state a “house rule” (temporary and
Is the pawn safe? If 1.Rgxd5 [White “unofficial”) such as “clock-move” (a
+1] …RxRd5 [Black +4]. And now if move isn‟t final until the player pushes
2.RxRd5 cxd5 [Black is still +4]. If the button on his clock).