CHESS COURSE
A) GENERAL
1) The nature and purpose of the game of chess
The game of chess is played with pieces (light-coloured and dark-coloured) on a square board, called a "chessboard". It is played between two persons. The player with the white pieces starts always the game. A player is said to 'have the move', when his opponent's move has been 'made'. Each player's aim is to place the opponent's king 'under attack' in such a way that the opponent has no legal move. The player who first succeeds in this, is said to have 'checkmated' the opponent's king and to have won the game. Leaving one's own king under attack, exposing one's own king to attack and also 'capturing' the opponent's king are not allowed. The player whose king has been checkmated has lost the game.
2.) Chessboard, pieces, initial position of them
The chessboard is composed of an 8x8 grid of 64 equal squares alternately light (the 'white' squares, which are 32) and dark (the 'black' squares, also 32)
For to be played correctly the game, the chessboard has to been placed in such a way that a player has to have always at his/her right side the corner with the white square!
On the chessboard we put the pieces. At the beginning of the game one player has 16 light-coloured pieces (the 'white' pieces) and the other has 16 dark-coloured pieces (the 'black' pieces) also. Each player has exactly the same, both at quantity and quality pieces. These pieces are as follows:
A white king, usually indicated by the symbol 
A white queen, usually indicated by the symbol 
Two white rooks, usually indicated by the symbol 
Two white bishops, usually indicated by the symbol 
Two white knights, usually indicated by the symbol 
Eight white pawns, usually indicated by the symbol 
A black king, usually indicated by the symbol 
A black queen, usually indicated by the symbol 
Two black rooks, usually indicated by the symbol 
Two black bishops, usually indicated by the symbol 
Two black knights, usually indicated by the symbol 
Eight black pawns, usually indicated by the symbol 
The initial position of the pieces on the chessboard is this:
The eight vertical columns of squares are called 'files'. The eight horizontal rows of squares are called 'ranks'. A straight line of squares of the same colour, touching corner to corner, is called a 'diagonal'.
3. Starting the game
Always the first move is being made by the player with the white pieces, as we already told. So, white moves a piece (each piece is moved in its own way and is described straight afterwards) from its square and let it to another square. Immediately after, the player with the black pieces moves a piece from its square and let it to another square. This goes on, till to reach to an end. One time the player with the white pieces, one time the player with the black pieces. Notice that moving of white and response of black is considered to be count as one move! Always only one piece is allowed to be at a square. It is not permitted to move a piece to a square occupied by a piece of the same colour, but it can move to a square which is occupied by an opponent's piece. So, when an opponent's piece is there and a player via a legal move wants to put opponent's player piece there can, by removing and replacing that piece. This action is called 'capture'. It is said that a piece attacks an opponent's piece if the piece can make a capture on that square.
A piece is considered to attack a square, even if there is the case that, this piece is not allowed to move to that square because it would then place its own King under attack.
When the King is under attack by one or more of the opponent's pieces, is said to be 'in check', even if there is the case that such pieces are not allowed to move to that square because they would then place their own king in check. Finally, no piece can be moved that will either expose its own king of the same colour to check or leave its own king in check.
4. Moving of pieces:
i) King: Is moving to all directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) only one square, but only if this square is not under attack by one or more of the opponent's pieces.
ii) Queen: Is moving along the file, the rank or a diagonal on which it stands, as many squares as it wants.
iii) Rook: Is moving along the file or the rank on which it
stands, as many squares as it wants.
iv)Bishop: Is moving diagonally at the diagonal which stands, as many squares as it wants.
v) Knight: Here you must be careful a little more dear reader. The moving of the Knight is a little 'strange', as it is the only piece that can 'jump' over other pieces and pawns. Is moving to one of the squares nearest to that on which it stands, but not on the same rank, file or diagonal.
vi) Pawn: Is moving forward and one square, if this square is unoccupied.
Exceptions: When a pawn is at its original square can, but is not obliged, to move 2 squares forward, if both squares are unoccupied. , Also when there is an enemy pawn or piece, diagonally in front of it on an adjacent file, then the pawn can, but is not obliged, capturing that piece or pawn it, putting this out of game and replacing it.
vii) 'en passant': This is another exception of pawn move. When a pawn is at its initial position and moves two squares forward and after this move will be besides an enemy pawn, then this enemy pawn can, but is not obliged, capture it, as if it had moved only one square! Notice dear reader: this can happen only immediately after the moving of pawn for 2 squares and not two or more moves later.
viii) promotion of pawn: when a pawn arrives at the last rank, (the furthest from its starting position), then it is exchanged obligatory and immediately to any kind of piece of the same colour. This way you may have more Queens, Rooks, Bishops and Knights of the same colour than the ones at the starting position. The player's choice is also not restricted to pieces, which have been captured previously. Notice: It is not allowed to be promoted to a King!
ix) castling: This is the last move you have to know dear reader. It is an exception to the rule that each time only a piece is moved. With castling two pieces are moved. The King and either Rook of the same colour on the same rank together. The King moves always for 2 squares towards the Rook and then that Rook moves to the square the King has just crossed. When castling is made with the Rook of King's side, is called 'short castling' and when is made with the Rook of Queen's side, is called long castling.
Notice: Only once it is allowed to happen this during a game, for each player. Castling may happen only if, the next conditions are satisfied. a) Rook and King have not moved (otherwise the right for castling is lost permanently) b) There is no piece between King and Rook c) King is not under attack at the time of castling d) The squares from where King is passing, are not under attack (at b,c,d cases the right for castling is prevented temporarily).
i) example for short-castling
ii) example for long-castling
6. Result of game:
A game of chess between 2 players can has 2 results!
Win or drawn.
Win: As we told you at the beginning of this course, the player who manages to checkmate his opponent's king, immediately wins the game. The game is won also by the player whose opponent declares resignation. Again immediately ends the game.
Drawn: There are many cases that a game is drawn.
a) When the player has to move, but has no legal move and player's king is not in check. This 'strange' situation/position is called 'stalemate' and immediately ends the game as drawn. b) The game is drawn when arises such position that, neither player can possibly checkmate the opponent's king with the remaining pieces and pawns, by any try and any series of moves. Such position is called a 'dead position' and immediately ends the game as drawn. c) When the two players during the game agree for this, the game immediately ends as draw.
The game is not, but may be drawn, (after request of a player) if a) any position has appeared on the chessboard at least three times b) each player has made at least the last 50 moves without the movement of any pawn and without any capture.
B) HOW TO WRITE
Dear chessfriend it is very useful to know the chess writing! Symbols which can help you to write your own game, keep it as a remembrance, or look it again later finding your mistakes or simply admiring your win! Also with this Knowledge you will be able to read, see, play, analyze and so on the games of other players!
1. Symbols
There is a fine system of notation, the Algebraic System, which is also the only recognized by FIDE for its own tournaments and matches.
The basic symbols in this notation system are:
K = King
Q = Queen
R = Rook
B = Bishop
N = Knight
Pawns are not written by their first letter, but are recognised by the absence of such a letter. Examples: d3, h5
The eight files (from left to right for White and from right to left for Black) are indicated by the small letters, a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h.
The eight ranks (from bottom to top for White and from top to bottom for Black) are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
So it is understandable that, each of the sixty-four squares of the chessboard is invariably indicated by a unique combination of a letter and a number.
Other existing symbols are also:
0-0 = kingside castling, with rook h1 or rook h8
0-0-0 = queenside castling, with rook a1 or rook a8
x = capture
(=) Offer of a draw.
+ check
++ or # checkmate
e.p. captures "en passant
2. Method:
Each move of a piece is indicated by the first letter of the name of the piece and the square of arrival. Examples: Qe4, Kd2, Nh6.
In the case of pawns, is indicated only the square of arrival. Examples: e4, c4, g3.
When there is a capture from a piece, an x is inserted between the first letter of the name of the piece and the square of arrival. Examples: Qxd3, Bxg4, Kxd2.
When a pawn makes a capture, the file of departure must be indicated, after an x and after the square of arrival. Examples: cxd5, hxg3, fxe4. In the case of an "en passant" capture, the square of arrival is given as the square on which the capturing pawn finally goes and also the symbol "e.p." is added to the notation. Example: bxc6 e.p.
When two pieces of the same colour can move to the same square, the piece that is moved is indicated as follows:
a) If both pieces are on the same rank: by the symbol of the piece, the file of the square of departure and the square of arrival. b) If both pieces are on the same file: by the symbol of the piece, the rank of the square of departure and the square of arrival. c) If the pieces are on different ranks and files, method (a) is preferred.
In the case of capture, an x must be inserted between (b) and (c).
Examples:
i) There are two knights on the squares g1 and e1 and one of them moves to the square f3: We write either Ngf3 or Nef3.
ii) There are two knights on the squares g5 and g1 and one of them moves to the square f3: We write either N5f3 or N1f3.
iii) There are two knights on the squares h2 and d4 and one of them moves to the square f3: We write either Nhf3 or Ndf3.
If a capture takes place on the square f3, the previous examples are changed by the insertion of an x: (i) either Ngxf3 or Nexf3 (ii) either N5xf3 or N1xf3 (iii) either Nhxf3 or Ndxf3.
When two pawns can capture the same opponent's piece or pawn, the pawn that is moved is indicated by the letter of the file of departure, an x and the square of arrival. Example: If there are black pawns on squares d5 and f5 and a white pawn or piece on the square e4, the notation for Black's move is either dxe4 or fxe4.
When a pawn is promoted, the actual pawn move is indicated, followed immediately by the first letter of the new piece. Examples: e8Q, g8N, e1R, h1B.
[If you still have any questions don't hesitate to email us!]
C) VALUE OF PIECES
Unfortunately dear chessfriend, there is no rule about this matter. Many authors, players, chess columnists and so on, tried to give a simple 'picture' about that, not altogether with particular success. We don't claim that we will do manage. But let's try to give you a small idea about it.
It is obvious that the value of pieces must not be the same, because the moving of them is different! Already you learned that Bishop is moving only diagonally and Queen diagonally, horizontally and vertically. What do you think? Isn't it natural to claim that Queen in general is stronger than Bishop, because it controls more squares? Or stronger than Rook, because Rook is not moved diagonally? Probably you will agree with us. We can also claim that in analogy, each piece is stronger than Pawn, because each piece controls more squares than the pawn. But what about Rook and bishop? Or Bishop and Knight?
The experience which arises after some centuries of chess play, showed to us in general that taking as a measure the pawn we have: Knight has a value of 3 pawns, Bishop has a value of 3 pawns, Rook has a value of 5 pawns and Queen has a value of 9 pawns. Notice: King's value is 'countless'.
Of course there are unlimited exceptions and as you will learn step by step -chesshour.com will help you also in this with many examples, games and exercises- the value of each piece depends on the given position.
For example which is the value of a pawn one move before its free promoting to a Rook? Or what is the value of a Queen and a Bishop more for one side, if mat can not be avoided at the next move?
All these will be examined step by step!
D) HOW TO PLAY A GAME
Writing this chapter we were faced with a difficult decision. Usually chess books for beginners at this point continue by presenting elementary endgames such as king and queen against king and so on. There is certain logic behind this, but we prefer to continue in another way. This is to describe how you can play 'correct' chess.
If you learn just now chess dear reader or you started recently to play, probably if not sure, you are faced with a typical problem: How to start, what move to make, where to put the pieces, what to do in general...
Believe us! It is not difficult. Just have in mind this: for to increase your chances for success, you have to put your pieces and pawns from the beginning at the best squares you can. Improving your chess step by step, you will find out that there is not such a thing, like best square. The flexibility of chess, imagination of chess players, changing of ideas and so on, doesn't permit us to be absolute with anything. But the experience of centuries till now permits us, to present you some basic ideas (but not absolute) for starting. We will be pleased if you find your own way and why not, one day to manage to add your 'small stone' to chess theory!!
So let's start and see what we mean saying 'best square'. Take a chessboard (empty from pieces) and put a knight at a1. From there can move to 2 different squares (b3, c2). Now put this knight at b1. From there can move to 3 different squares (a3, c3, d2). Now put this knight at d1. From there can move at 4 different squares (b2, c3, e3, f2). Now put this knight at e2. From there can move to 6 different squares (c1, c3, d4, f4, g3, g1). Finally put this knight at d5 square. From there can go to 8 squares (c3, b4, b6, c7, e7, f6, f4, e3).
Notice here that the word "move" can 'take the meaning' or be replaced by the word "control".
Continue with the bishop or a queen now and put it at some squares, for example at a1, b1, e2, g3, d4. Check for yourself dear reader from which square a bishop or queen can move (control) to more squares.
So it is obvious that nearest the central squares of chessboard a piece is, more moves can make, more squares controls. Exception is the rook. From any square a rook stands, can move (control) to 14 squares.
Having these in mind let's have a chessboard with pieces on at their initial position. Where a knight can go, supposing that all the squares can arrive are free? Usual is at c3, f3, less often is at d2, e2 and rare is at a3, h3. In analogous, the same happens with the other pieces.
But what about the pawns, especially at the first move, but not only? Let's compare the possible first moves 1.a3, 1.a4, 1.d3, 1.d4. With the move 1.a3 there is control of b4 square by the a-pawn, and control of a2 square by the rook. With the move 1.a4 there is control of the square b5 by the a-pawn, rook controls the a2 and a3 squares and knight can move to a3 square. With the move 1.d3 there is control of the c4 and e4 squares, knight from b1 can move to d2 square, queen controls the d2 square and opens also the diagonal c1-h6 for the Bc1. Finally with the move 1.d4 there is control of the c5 and e5 squares, knight from b1 can move to d2 square, queen controls d2 and d3 squares and opens also the diagonal c1-h6 for the Bc1.
Judge for yourself dear reader which is better move. We claim that 1.d4 is better than 1.d3, which is better than 1.a4, which is better than 1.a3 (more squares are under control and better development of pieces) and if you have any question you will e-mail us for further explanation.
Don't forget: occupation of the center is a 'must', but not obligatory. Later we will present other ways of fighting (for example leaving the center to the opponent, with the aim to undermining this by pawns or pieces and so on), but we insist -if you are a beginner or a middle player- to start trying to occupy the center if it will be possible!
E) INDRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL PLAY
In this chapter we will present elementary combinations, elementary endgames, all the basic positions of mate and also "miniatures", games which finished after some moves (less than 25), because one or both opponents played a characteristic mistake(s)
Game No 1
This is a composed game by chesshour.
Our aim is to show to you a very common instructive mistake by players who have just started playing chess. Due to the absence of a clear cut plan, they usually move the queen here and there, thinking that like this are created real threats...
Wrong!
Bringing queen into the game early, is loss of time.
1.e4
[Excellent first move. Along with 1.d4 (and a little less common 1.c4, 1.Nf3, the rest are rare) are the most common first moves at games between strong players. This move has a double target. a) direct control of the d5 square and also indirect control of e4 square b) helps the development of the other white pieces. More precisely, the development of the white bishop Bf1 with the opening of the f1-a6 diagonal and the development of the white queen with the opening of the d1-h5 diagonal.]
1…e5
[Symmetrical move, also excellent with the same advantages as white’s first move.]
2.Bc4
[Also very nice move. Development of a piece at the strong c4-suare. From there controls the important central d5-square and has a future target to the weak f7-square. (f7-square for the Black and f2-square for the white, are usually weak squares because at the beginning of the game are supported only from the king and after short castling, only from king and rook.)]
2…Bc5
[Same comments as in white’s second move.]
3.Qh5?
([A bad move. It seems that there are enough threats. For example if it was white’s turn to play again, with Qxf7 there is immediately mate. (Note also that there is a threat against the e5-pawn.) But from the continuation of the game plus our comments, you will understand soon why is a bad move.]
3…Qe7
[So the double attack (at e5 and f7) from the white queen is parried at the same time with two different black’s moves. Either 3…Qe7, either 3…Qf6
[Both moves are good, just the move which black choices is slightly better, because doesn’t offer to white any target for direct attack. Must be noticed also that, without the straight attack from the white,black would not playing the queen.]
4.a3?
[Bad move. Useless also… Doesn’t offer anything at the control of the central squares and also offers nothing to the development of the pieces. Note also that there was no threat from black which forced white to play this move…]
4…Nf6
[Excellent move again! Development of a NEW piece at the best square which has at its disposal. (Remember what we told about ‘best squares’ at the previous chapter). This development is being made also, with attack to the white queen, which has to move for to don’t be lost. This means that that white will move again a piece which is already moved, ‘breaking’ one of the basic principles of the opening’s theory (don’t move twice the same piece at the opening, except there is a specific reason) and loses a move. This lose of move is called loss of ‘tempo’, from the Italian word “tempo” which means ‘time’ and like this you will find in our comments from now on, the missing of move. Note also that the Knight threatens also the e4-pawn.]
5.Qf3;!
[Dubious move. Let’s see what else white could play. Sure to move the queen, but where? Either at f3 or e2 to protect also the e4-pawn, either to ignore the threat and to move to g4 threatens also the black g7-pawn. Unfortunately the last idea doesn’t ‘work’; If 5.Qg5 will follow 5…Bxf2+! And if 6.Kxf2 Ne4+! wins, because Knight simultaneously gives check and threatens the white queen, so wins the queen at next move and the game, due to the difference in material. (This kind of double or more threat by the Knight is called ‘fork’ at the chess language). So queen has to move to e2 or f3. Ask for yourself now. Where do you think that is better? Better is to move at e2, so the f3-square (the best and natural square which Ng1 has at its disposal) remains free for this piece.]
6…Nc6
[Black develops one more piece. Already they have superiority both in development and control of the center, despite that white played the first move…]
6.h3?
[Again a bad move. Our comment is exactly the same we made for the move 3.a3]
6…Nd4
[Black plays again the same piece…Is it the turn for Black for a bad move? No, it is not! On the contrary it is a nice move! Despite that the same piece is moved for second time at the opening, this time there is a fine reason. With this move there is centralization of this piece, gaining a tempo also! How? Threatening both Qf3 and pawn at c2 square.]
7.Qd3 (The only move which covers both threats. At chess language is called “forced” and is indicated by the symbol □ ]
7…d5
[Looks like bad move, since white can take the pawn in two ways, with the bishop or with the pawn… But the great superiority moth in development and in control of the center, plus the next move by black, permit this move. Note also that with this move opens the c8-h3 diagonal for a possible development of the last black’s undeveloped minor piece which is the Bc8.]
8.exd5
[And the other continuation 8.Bxd5 Nxd5 9.exd5 leads to the same end.]
8…Bf5
[Again earning tempo! Development of the last minor piece with attack to the opponent’s queen.]
9.Qg3
[Where ever the queen goes is the same…]
9…Nxc2+ 10.Kf1 Nxa1
0-1, White resigns
The difference in material is so great… It doesn’t need for black to search for mate. Just to be cautious to avoid mate and step by step to try to exchange the remaining pawns and pieces. So at the end for example, black might reach an endgame king + rook against king, which is easily won for the side with the rook as we will examine at the next chapter.]
Conclusion: It is inadvisable to make first moves with queen, since can easily come under attack from minor pieces and pawn, which leads to loss of tempo!
Game No 2
Gibau-Lazard, France 1927
How short an official game can be? See the above game, one of the shortest official games we know…
1.d4 Nf6
2.Nd2?!
[2.c4 or 2.Nf3 is better.]
2...e5
3.dxe5 Ng4
4.h3??
[4.e4 (4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.e3 Ngxe5 6.Bb5 a6 7.Be2 d5=) 4...Nxe5 5.Ngf3 Nbc6 6.Nxe5 Nxe5=]
4...Ne3 and 0-1.
White resigned because the loss of the white queen is decisive. Note that in case of Knight's capture with 5.fxe3 will follow 5...Qh4+ 6.g3 Qxg3 # mate!
Game No 3
Legal-Filidor
In this game you can see the famous Legall mate which is a nice example of what can happen from unnecessary moves by rooks’ pawns
1.e4 e5
2 Nf3 d6
3. Bc4 Bg4
4. Nc3 h6?!
[either 4... Nf6 or 4...Be7 is the correct move! We have told already that in general it is important at the first stage of the game, the opening, to be developed the pieces as early as possible, except if a specific reason tells the opposite. So the move 4...h6 has no meaning here, even if black had the wish to control the g5 square or to prevent the Knight to occupy this square. Playing one of the two moves we suggest, the sacrifice would have been impossible and white would not have gained any immediate advantage...]
5.Nxe5! Bxd1??
[winning material for the moment but not seeing the end. Correct was 5...dxe5 6.Qxg4 and white is much better]
6.Bxf7+ Ke7 7.Nd5# mate! 1-0
Game No 4
Morphy-Allies
Philidor’s Defence
Here we present you a game with a fantastic end, which only admiration deserves. Probably can be the dream of every chess player, to mate the opponent with less forces (one-two pieces against many...) Think also dear reader that Morphy had foreseen this end from the 10th move... So let’s pass to the game.
1.e4 e5
2.Nf3 d6
3.d4 Bg4?
[This is a bad move and already the position is lost for black... Maybe you think that we overreacted with this comment, but it is true. Let’s see why: with the next move white is forcing the exchange of the black bishop at g4 for the white knight at f3 and in an open position (yes, the position which is created is an open one), usually bishops are stronger than knights, because they can move, control, squares at all over the chessboard and if there are two bishops usually are much stronger than two knights. Correct move was 3…dxe4 4.Nxd4 with mutual chances.]
4.dxe5 Bxf3
[What else? If 4…dxe5 5.Qxd8+! and the right for castling is lost 5…Kxd8 6.Nxe5 earning the pawn and threatens fork at f7 6…Be6 forced and as you see at the resulting position white is better.]
5.Qxf3
[Not of course gxf3? destroying his pawn’s structure.]
5…dxe5
6.Bc4
[threatening Qxf7#]
6...Nf6
[and not 6…Nh6?? 7.Bxh6 winning.]
7.Qb3
[threatening both 8.Bx7 Ke8 or 8...Kd7 9.Qe6# and the pawn at b7.]
7…Qe7
[forced]
8.Nc3!?
[This move has provoke enough comments from many commentators, authors etc. All of them with admiration and a lot pf explanations about. Let’s see it in advance… It is obvious that white here wins a pawn with 8.Qxb7 but he plays something different. Why? Because after the pawn’s capture follows 8…Qb4+ 9.Qxb4 Bxb4+ 10.c3 (but not 10.Nc3? Nxe4 and black is slightly better) and black manages to exchange queens and to stop white’s attack. So is only left for white a realization of an advantage (true of course, he is a pawn up and has the pair of bishops), after a long battle. So Morphy didn’t choose this line. For some authors his decision was made due to low standard of his opponents. Some chess historians say that this game was played at a theater during the intermission of an opera and Morphy wanted to finish early to watch it. Maybe it was his instinct and the incredible understandable of the meaning of time, development and sacrifice at open positions. A last note dear reader. Such pawns as the one at b7 in general must be accepted!]
8…c6
[to protect the b7 pawn and planning a pawn attack, but already is back in development]
9.Bg5 b5?
[The decisive mistake. Correct was to continue with development and to try for castling. Now all develop almost by force due to the next amazing combination which of course was foreseen till the end by the brilliant master of open positions, Paul Morphy. (We believe that there is nothing to explain, further on just enjoy it…]
10.Nxb5! cxb5
11.Bxb5 Nb-d7
12.0-0-0 Rd8
13.Rxd7 Rxd7
14.Rd1 Qe6
15.Bxd7 Nxd7
16.Qb8+!! Nxb8
17.Rd8# mate 1-0
Nowdays when the majority of games are contained from an opening like you read encyclopaedia, a middlegame unnatural complicated and en endgame of worse and worse technique (changing of style maybe or the result of less time for thinking during a game), such games exist to remind us that chess is ART...
TO BE CONTINUED