Step One: Set Up The Board And Prepare To Play

Most beginner players quickly remember the setup of the pieces. It's easy if you think of the pieces getting shorter as they move away from the king and queen. The bishop is the tallest, then the knight, then the rook. But sometimes players have trouble remembering what order the king and queen go in. Just remember, the opposing kings are always "facing" each other along the same vertical line (see illustration), the queen always goes on her own color and the board is set up with a white square on each player's right side.

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On To Step Two: Know The Basics

Skip To Step Three: Study The Pieces And Their Movements

Skip To Step Four: Consider Your First Moves

Skip To Step Five: Learn About 'Castling' The King

Skip To Step Six: Memorize The Special Moves Of The Pawn

Skip To Step Seven: Know The Difference Between Check And Checkmate

kip To Step Eight: Learn The Ways To End The Game

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