♜ How to Set Up a Chessboard Correctly

Setting up a chessboard properly ensures both players start from the same, standard position. This short guide shows you the correct board orientation, where each piece goes, and a common mistake to avoid.

📐 Step 1 — Orient the Board: “White on Right”

Place the board so the bottom-right corner square nearest you is a light square (h1). A quick memory trick: “White on right.” If the corner is dark, rotate the board 90°.

🧱 Step 2 — Place the Pieces

1. Back rank: Rook, Knight, Bishop, Queen, King, Bishop, Knight, Rook.
2. Pawns: Place eight pawns directly in front of the back rank.
3. The Golden Rule: The Queen goes on her own color.
   • White Queen starts on a Light square (d1).
   • Black Queen starts on a Dark square (d8).

⚠️ Common Mistake — Swapped Queens

Beginners often accidentally swap the King and Queen. If the Kings and Queens are not facing each other directly (e.g., White Queen on a dark square), the setup is wrong.

Remember: The Kings should stand on the E-file, and Queens on the D-file.

🧩 Helpful View — Build the Back Rank First

If you’re teaching someone or setting up quickly, place the major pieces first on the back rank in order (R–N–B–Q–K–B–N–R), then drop the eight pawns in front.

✅ Quick Checklist

• Bottom-right square is light (“White on right”).
• Queens on their own color (White Q on d1, Black Q on d8).
• Pawns fill the rank in front of the back-rank pieces.
• White moves first.

❓ FAQ

Q: Which side moves first?
A: White always moves first.

Q: Does board orientation matter online?
A: The server or app handles it for you — but knowing the correct orientation helps when playing over-the-board.

Q: How do I remember the order?
A: Think symmetry from the corners inward: Rook, Knight, Bishop, then Queen on her color, King, then mirror back out: Bishop, Knight, Rook.