🧩 How to Set Up a Chess Board
Setting up the chessboard correctly is the first step to playing a proper game. This guide shows the correct board orientation and the standard starting position for all pieces.
Step 1: Place the Board Correctly
Make sure the bottom-right corner square is light for both players. A common phrase to remember is: “Light on the right.”
Step 2: Set Up the Pieces
Place pieces on the back rank (rank 1 for White, rank 8 for Black):
- Rooks in the corners
- Knights next to rooks
- Bishops next to knights
- Queen on her own color (white queen on white, black queen on black)
- King on the remaining central square
Step 3: Add the Pawns
Place all eight pawns in a row directly in front of the back-rank pieces: White pawns on rank 2, Black pawns on rank 7.
Step 4: Who Moves First?
By standard chess rules, the player with the White pieces always moves first.
- ✅ White: Makes the first move of the game.
- ✅ Black: Makes the second move, responding to White's opening.
- ✅ Turns: Players alternate turns for the rest of the game. You cannot skip a turn!
Step 5: Ranks vs. Files (The Grid)
Chess notation relies on a coordinate system. It is crucial to know the difference between the rows and columns:
-
⬆️ Files (Columns): The vertical columns running up-and-down. They are lettered a to h.
(Shown by the Red arrow) -
➡️ Ranks (Rows): The horizontal rows running side-to-side. They are numbered 1 to 8.
(Shown by the Blue arrow)
Example: "The e-file" or "The 7th rank."
Red = File (e) | Blue = Rank (5)
Common Setup Tips
- White starts on ranks 1–2; Black starts on ranks 7–8.
- White queen starts on d1 (white square); Black queen starts on d8 (black square).
- Back-rank order (White): rook, knight, bishop, queen, king, bishop, knight, rook.
FAQ
Which square does the white queen start on?
The white queen starts on d1 (a white square). A simple rule is: the queen goes on her own color.
What if I set the board up incorrectly?
Restart with the correct orientation. The key phrase is: light on the right.
What are the chess pieces called?
The pieces are called chessmen: king, queen, rook, bishop, knight, and pawn.
How are the pieces 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. All 8 pawns go directly in front of the back rank pieces: White on rank 2, Black on rank 7.
Does the setup change for tournaments or online games?
No—the standard setup is the same everywhere.
➡️ Next Steps
Next up: the special move that helps your king get safe early—castling.