03
Nov
A Few Rules of Thumb
When notating, recall that it’s file 1st, which signifies the file key is forever 1st. E.g., the lower right square would be a8 or a-file, 8th rank. While notation is not required for the starting chess player, keeping track of files and ranks is a good way of seeing the playing area, measuring space, and therefore, projecting one’s strategy.
As for the chess sets, every one comprises of 32 color-coded pieces: sixteen are earmarked for the white player and another 16 for the black. At game’s start, a color/side is selected: white or black, which also determines who proceeds first. The player allotted the white chess pieces invariably has the honor.
