Those black and white squares have always fascinated us with their captivating color combination and perfectly positioned pieces. Haven’t they? I know you are eagerly waiting to know the names of the pieces. Do you know how intricately and strategically they are positioned on the board? It is truly an interesting aspect of chess. Moreover, knowing the pieces is the first step in learning chess. In this blog, we will meet all   16 pieces.

You and your opponent begin with 16 pieces. Here is  the breakdown of those 16 pieces for each player:

•   The  King
•  The  Queen
•   The  Rooks
•   The Knights
•  The Bishops
•   The  Pawns

So, when we add up these, we will get 16 pieces for white and 16 pieces for black, making it a total of 32 pieces.

Now let’s get to know the pieces one by one. 

 #1.The King

The King is considered the Kingpin of chess. His value is immeasurable since we cannot attribute any numerical value to the King.  There is a King on either side. When the game starts, the King occupies the first rank of the e-file, on the right side of the Queen. 

The King has to see all the threats proactively. Therefore, he is highly maneuverable and you can move the King in any direction- backward, or sideways. But,   you can move him only one square at a time.

Further, the king’s role in chess holds strategic importance. Hence, the player makes moves keeping in mind the protection of the King. You have to protect the King at all costs, otherwise, you will taste defeat.

 The King plays a crucial role in the endgame, where he assumes a powerful role. During the endgames, he can partake in mobilizing the pieces and controlling crucial squares.

#2.The Queen

Do you wonder about the role of the Queen on a battlefield? She has the potential to influence the outcome of the game.

The Queen sits on the ‘d’ file, between the Bishop and the King. Each side has its Queen. Nine points she bears speak about her strategic prominence.

 She moves unrestricted- horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Her versatility allows her to attack and defend. In a single move, she covers an extensive area, making her a versatile piece. As she can attack and defend, she can dictate the game’s dynamics. Further, if you lose the Queen, it is a major setback. Thus, she is the powerhouse among 16 pieces.

 #3.The Rooks

The rook or the castle is one of the significant pieces that has a strategic value. Each player has two rooks and has five points each. They are placed at the corners. This placement puts them at a vantage point so that they can launch a counterattack.

Further, they have a distinct movement that sets them apart. They can cover a considerable distance by moving forward, backward, and sideways. However, unlike the knights, they are not allowed to leap over other pieces.

Further, their ability to launch attacks and dominate files and ranks makes them a valuable asset in the army. By coordinating with other rooks or pieces managing open files, they can control key positions. As a result, they shape the course of the game.

Moreover, when the end game approaches, Rooks attains more power as they have more space to move and maneuver. Hence, connecting the rooks and deploying them at strategic points holds significance in deciding the victory.

 #4.The Knights

The Knight, often symbolized as a horse is deployed between the Bishop and the Rook. Each player commands two Knights and they are worth three points each.

When it comes to the movement, the Knight moves two squares either horizontally or vertically. Then it makes a perpendicular move resulting in an L shape. Further, it has the right to jump over other pieces. Thus, it is an invaluable piece that can maneuver through crowded positions.

Furthermore, its relatively short-range capabilities make it comparatively weaker than Rooks or Bishops.  However, its capacity to disrupt the opponent’s plans, particularly in the initial stages makes it a crucial asset in the game.

 #5.The Bishops

The Bishop holds a value of three points. Each side has two bishops. The Queenside Bishop is placed between the Queen and the Queenside Knight. Meanwhile, the Kingside Bishop stands in the middle of the King and the Kingside Knight. 

The unique characteristic of the Bishop is its ability to advance diagonally. It moves along diagonals and covers numerous squares in a single move. However, he does not have the right to move backward, forward, or sideways. Similarly, he has restrictions to leap over pieces that obstruct his path.

 Another significant feature is that he remains on squares of a consistent color throughout the game. Thus, he begins on either a black or a white square and proceeds diagonally to squares of the same color. This limitation has a say on his strategic role and positioning.

 #6.The Pawns

Pawns or the infantry fight the battle at the forefront. Each player has eight pawns. Though they do not claim the grandeur the other pieces exude, they are the warriors you cannot do away with.

As we discussed, pawns are strategically deployed at the forefront of the defense. As a result, they protect the powerful pieces. Further, they move straightforwardly, one square at a time. This incremental movement allows them to have control over the center. Similarly, this movement pattern influences the early stages of the game.

Furthermore, pawns have the right to transform into any other piece while they advance closer to the opponent’s back rank. This metamorphosis is a strategic process that allows them to ascend to the ranks of powerful pieces like the Rook, Queen, Knight, or Bishop.

Thus, along with the potential to shape the opening phase of the battle, they evolve into strategic game-changing forces as the game progresses.

Wrapping Up.

We have met all the players. Now it’s time to gear up and start learning this battle of wits confidently. Your chess master will unravel many more mysteries that await you on the chessboard. Get ready and embark on an exciting journey best chess school in India.