Chess glossary

Every chess word explained in one simple sentence, with a picture of the position so you can see it too.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    File

    Basics

    A column of squares running from your side to the opponent's, named a to h.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Rank

    Basics

    A row of squares running left to right, numbered 1 to 8.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Centre

    Basics

    The four middle squares d4, e4, d5, e5 — the most valuable ground.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Development

    Strategy

    Bringing knights and bishops off the back rank into active squares.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Castling

    Rules

    A double move: the king travels two squares and the rook hops over him.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    En passant

    Rules

    A pawn that jumps two squares past an enemy pawn can be captured as if it moved one.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Promotion

    Rules

    A pawn reaching the last rank becomes a queen, rook, bishop or knight.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Check

    Rules

    The king is attacked and the attack must be answered immediately.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Checkmate

    Rules

    The king is in check and there is no legal escape. Game over.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Stalemate

    Rules

    The side to move has no legal move but is NOT in check — the game is drawn.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Fork

    Tactics

    One piece attacks two or more enemy pieces at the same time.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Pin

    Tactics

    A piece cannot move because a more valuable piece stands behind it.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Skewer

    Tactics

    A pin in reverse: the valuable piece is in front and must move, losing the one behind.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Discovered attack

    Tactics

    Moving one piece uncovers an attack from the piece behind it.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Blunder

    Basics

    A move that loses material or the game — usually because a threat was missed.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Material

    Strategy

    The total value of your pieces: pawn 1, knight and bishop 3, rook 5, queen 9.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Tempo

    Strategy

    A single move counted as time. Winning a tempo means gaining a free move.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Open file

    Strategy

    A file with no pawns on it — perfect for rooks.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Passed pawn

    Strategy

    A pawn with no enemy pawns able to stop it from promoting.

  • 8
    7
    6
    5
    4
    3
    2
    a1
    b
    c
    d
    e
    f
    g
    h

    Opposition

    Strategy

    Kings facing each other with one square between: the side NOT to move is better.