How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting up the chessboard correctly is the first step to playing a proper game. Each player begins with 16 pieces on an 8x8 square board that alternates between light and dark squares. Here's how to do it right:

Step 1: Place the Board Correctly

Make sure the bottom-right corner is a light square. A common phrase to remember this is: "Light on the right."

Correct board orientation with light square on the right

Step 2: Set Up the Pieces

Place the rooks in the corners.
Next to them are the knights, then the bishops.
The queen goes on her own color (white queen on a white square, black queen on black).
The king goes on the remaining central square.

Step 3: Add the Pawns

Place all 8 pawns in the row directly in front of your main pieces. White pawns go on rank 2, black pawns on rank 7.

Common Setup Tips

White pieces always start at the bottom (ranks 1 and 2).
Black pieces start at the top (ranks 7 and 8).
Queens go on their own color: White queen = d1, Black queen = d8.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Chess Board

Place the board correctly: Make sure the bottom-right square is a light square for both players.
Set up the pieces: Starting from the corners, place the rooks, then knights, bishops, and finally the queen and king. The queen goes on her own color. Example: the white queen goes on a white square (d1), the black queen on a black square (d8).
Add the pawns: Line up all 8 pawns in the row directly in front of your main pieces — 2nd rank for White and 7th rank for Black.

Tip: A helpful phrase to remember is: “Light on the right” and “Queen on her color.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side does the white queen go on?

The white queen stands on a white square, specifically d1. The queen always goes on her matching color.

What if I set the board up incorrectly?

The game should be restarted with the correct orientation. Always remember: light square on the right.

What are the chess pieces called?

The chess pieces are called chessmen and include the king, queen, rook, bishop, knight, and pawn.

How is the chessboard set up?

The board is set up with a light square in each player’s bottom-right corner. Queens go on their matching colors.

What is the correct orientation of a chessboard?

Make sure the light square is on the right-hand side of the bottom row for each player.

Where do the kings and queens go on the board?

The queen goes on her own color (white queen on white, black queen on black). The king goes on the remaining center square.

How should the pieces be arranged on the first rank?

Left to right (for White): rook, knight, bishop, queen, king, bishop, knight, rook.

Do the pawns go in front of the main pieces?

Yes. The 8 pawns are placed directly in front of the back rank pieces — on rank 2 for White and rank 7 for Black.

Does the setup change for tournaments or online games?

No. The standard chessboard setup applies universally across over-the-board and online play.

Can I play if I’m missing a piece?

If a piece is missing, players often substitute with another object. This is fine for casual play if both players agree.