Chess, with its classic pieces and strategic battles, has always been more than just entertainment. This is a real journey into history, where every move is a part of a big and exciting story. From ancient images representing mythical creatures and warriors to modern elegant forms, chess pieces reflect the cultural and historical changes that have influenced this intellectual game. Let's take a closer look at what chess pieces exist, what they are called, and how they move around the board.
How many pieces in chess?
At the beginning of the game, each player has 16 pieces. There are a total of 32 pieces on the chessboard. These 16 pieces include: 1 king; 1 queen; 2 rounds; 2 horses; 2 bishops and 8 pawns.
Why are the pieces in chess called that way?
The names of chess pieces have deep historical roots, dating back to the various cultures and civilizations through which this ancient game traveled to the West. It is known that in the Arab tradition chess pieces had simplified, conventional forms, and their appearance could easily vary depending on the region or even the imagination of the masters who created them.
King — the central figure on the chessboard, which symbolizes the monarch. The name of this figure changed according to the titles of local rulers. For example, in different cultures he could be called "shah", "malik", "tsar" or "king". The game actually got its name from the Persian word "shah", which means "king", and the expression "checkmate" means "the king is dead".
Queen, or "queen", is the most powerful piece on the chessboard. She received several interpretations: in some countries she was named after a high-ranking military or state official, such as a vizier or a hetman, while in other cultures the figure represented the king's wife - a "queen" or "tsarina". It is worth noting that in ancient versions of chess, this piece had much more limited movement possibilities, but over time it became the strongest on the battlefield.
Rook — a figure symbolizing movement and strength. Its name varied from "tower" and "castle" to "ship", "tour" or even "cannon". In different regions, it was perceived differently: as a powerful defensive structure or as a combat vehicle capable of covering long distances and destroying enemies on its way.
Elephant got its name from the Arabic word "alfil", which means "elephant". However, in Europe this figure could have many other meanings. In England, it was called "bishop" because of its shape, which resembled a miter. In other countries, she was a "hunter", "shooter", "clown" or "officer", embodying various roles on the chessboard.
Horse, or "knight", has always symbolized the military elite. In many countries, he was also called a "jumper" or "rider" because of a special way of movement - "jump" with the letter "G". Such dynamism and unpredictability made this figure very valuable in the hands of an experienced player.
Pawn - the most numerous, but the weakest piece in chess, has always been associated with the common people - "soldiers", "peasants" or "foot soldiers". They represent simple warriors who are the first to go into battle to protect their kings and queens, and at the same time have the potential to transform into stronger figures if they reach the opposite end of the board.
How do chess pieces move?
Understanding the specifics of moving pieces is the basis for an effective strategy that allows players to achieve victory.
The king is the most important figure on which the fate of the entire party depends. It moves only one cell in any direction - vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Because of his vulnerability, the king always needs protection, because if he is threatened (check), he must be immediately protected or moved to a safe position. However, the king has another important function - castling, a special move in which it simultaneously moves with the rook, strengthening its security in the game.
The queen is the most powerful piece on the chessboard due to its versatility. It can move any number of cells vertically, horizontally and diagonally. Thanks to this, the queen is able to quickly cover large spaces and instantly react to threats, becoming indispensable in attack and defense.
A rook is a powerful figure that moves only along vertical and horizontal lines for an unlimited number of cells. A rook is especially strong in the endgame, when it becomes key to creating combinations with other rooks or the queen. In such positions, its use allows you to effectively attack, defend, cover fields and support other pieces.
The elephant moves only diagonally and always stays on cells of the same color throughout the game - white or black. This makes it dependent on the starting position, but elephants work well in pairs, complementing each other. Skillful placement of elephants allows you to create diagonal control and put pressure on the opponent's weak fields.
The knight is one of the most interesting and unusual pieces in chess due to its unique move. Its movement is in the shape of the letter "H" - first two cells vertically or horizontally, and then one sideways diagonally. A special feature of the horse is its ability to "jump" over other pieces, which makes it indispensable in difficult positions where other pieces could be blocked.
Pawns are the most numerous pieces, and although they have limited mobility, their role in the game is extremely important. A pawn only moves forward one space, except on the first move, when it can move two spaces. Attacks a pawn only diagonally one square forward. Having reached the last horizontal, the pawn can turn into any other piece (except the king), which opens up new strategic possibilities in the final part of the game.
What is the strongest piece in chess?
The most powerful piece on the board is the queen. His ability to walk like a tura and an elephant at the same time makes him a primary tool for attack and defense.
Chess is not just a game, but a real art of strategic thinking. Each piece on the chessboard has its own unique role, and the skill of the player is found in the ability to use these features to achieve victory. Players learn to plan their moves in advance, analyze the development of events and make informed decisions. These skills are useful not only in chess, but also in everyday life, helping with important decisions and strategic thinking.
Experience in chess teaches players to see several steps ahead, evaluate possible outcomes and identify optimal strategies. This helps not only on the chessboard, but also in real-life situations where planning and strategic thinking are key. The ability to anticipate the actions of opponents and adapt to new conditions makes chess a useful tool for developing mental abilities and decision-making in any aspect of life.
Let this game be a source of inspiration and development for you.
Read more up-to-date information in the section Chess and checkers on our portal.