How to setup a chessboard Archives

Chess is one of the oldest games known to mankind. Chess players are very passionate about their game and are always curious to know every single trick or rule that can improve their game. Chess rules are few but they can get really complex.

Along with using strategies to play chess, it is also equally important to have the correct positions of the chess pieces at the beginning of the game.

A chessboard is a kind of checkerboard and consists of 64 squares (eight rows and eight columns) and 32 pieces. These squares are arranged in two alternating colors (light and dark). Environment-friendly wooden chess boards that we offer to our customers at chessbazaar use genuine woods.

Material varies widely in making chess boards. Plastic and cardboard chessboards are basically used for low-level games. For high level or for professional games only wooden chess boards are used.

The first and foremost rule in start of game of chess is the placement of the chessboard. Now it’s time to set your beautiful wooden chessboard with meticulously hand-carved wooden chess pieces right. Let’s get started.

Get started with these simple steps:

Set the board and make sure that the bottom right square is a white square. If your board has algebraic notations on it make sure that ‘1’ is nearest to white and ‘8’ is nearest to Black. The ‘h’ letter should be on White’s right.

Place a rook/castle on each of the two corners.

Placement of Rook/Castle on each of the two corners.

Place a knight on the inside of the rooks/castles.

Placing a knight on the inside of the rooks/castles.

Now set your bishops to the inside of the knights.

Then place your queens on the matching color square. Queen is a second most important piece in chess after the king. But always remember that the queen always sits in the color of its square. So the light colored square will have white queen and the black Queen has to be placed in a dark square of the board (A lady always wants to wear matching shoes with her dress). Queen Side of the board’ is the left side of the board, where both queens are placed.

Placing different chess pieces on a chess board

Now place your King on the last square left. King side of the board’ is the right side of the board, where both kings are placed.

Place all the pawns on the front squares, so that they can declare the war.

All chess pieces have different points to indicate how valuable they are and if you want to play for chess tournaments, it is also important to learn the points that each chess piece is worth of and the points of some possible combinations. Let’s have a look –

Chess Pieces with Names and Points by Chessbazaar

The person with the white side pieces always begins the game. The Game is all about saving the King, so the King carries infinite value. The interesting rule of the game is that the King can never be captured and if he is in danger then he must move to a safe place or another chess piece must make him safe. If he cannot reach in the safe zone then the game is over.

Also Read: 6 Tips to Choose the Best Chess Board for Your Need

45 mm Standard Walnut Maple Wooden Chess Board

Chess Board with Matte Finish by Chessbazaar

So, now you have your favorite chess board & now the most important and difficult task before you is to maintain your chess board. A good quality chess board, however, requires the least botheration and their shine lasts quite a long time. But there are certain general points that need to be kept in mind.

Bear in mind that any exposure to water can result damaging the board so the board must essentially stay totally dry at all times.
There is no need to use any additional waxes or polishes as the original polish is quite hard and it does not wear off easily.
If the board becomes scratched there is not much that will remedy it, you can try cleaning the smudges with a little damp fabric cloth!
Avoid exposing your chessboard to humidity and extreme temperatures. Humidity results in high degrees of contraction and expansion.
Your chess board should never be placed in direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight will lead to damages.
Simply wipe the board with a dry(matte finish boards), clean cloth and using a damp cloth(glossy finish chess boards) to get rid of any stickiness.
Avoid touching your board with wet hands. Always keep a hand towel within your reach.
Always try to keep your board on felt or soft surfaces to avoid abrasion. Best would be to buy a board with felt fixed in the bottom.
Regularly dust your board using a soft, dry piece of fabric.

Love your chess board!

More Articles to Read:

How to setup a chessboard

How to Set Up a Chessboard – Step by Step – chessbazaar’s Guide

10 Useful Tips to Take Care of your Chess Board