Chess originated in India over 1000 years ago and is now played all over the world.

It is regarded as one of the best strategy games for two players.

Each Player has 16 pieces which move and capture in different ways and have differing levels of importance.

Pawns – – – – – – – – – – – – -x 8

Knights – – – – – – – – – – – – -x 2

Bishops – – – – – – – – – – – – -x 2

Castles (Rooks) – – – – – – – -x 2

Queen – – – – – – – – – – – – – -x 1

King – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -x 1

The board is placed between the players so that each has a white corner square on their right.

The pieces start the game laid out as illustrated. Note that the Queen always stands on a square of her own colour, so that the pieces are all opposite their opposing equivalent.

The object of the game is to trap your opponent’s King in a position in which they cannot escape without being taken. This is called “Checkmate”. White always starts. Players change sides after each game. Each player takes it in turn to move one piece in each go. They may move whichever of their pieces they require, planning their strategy, capturing as many of their opponent’s pieces as they can, always working towards the ultimate goal of “Checkmate”.