a square board with a grid of 64 alternating light and dark colored squares arranged in an 8x8 pattern, used for playing the game of chess
a chess piece that is the most important and able to move in any direction but one square at a time
The king is the most important piece in chess, and the game ends when a player's king is checkmated. It can move one square in any direction: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Although the king is not very mobile or powerful compared to other pieces, its safety is crucial. A player must always ensure their king is protected from being captured, as placing the king in a position where it can be captured is called check. The king also participates in a special move called castling, which helps safeguard it by moving it to a less vulnerable position.
the most powerful piece in the game of chess that can move in any direction
The queen is the most powerful piece in chess. It combines the movement abilities of both the rook and the bishop, meaning it can move any number of squares horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. This versatility allows the queen to cover a large part of the board and makes it a key piece in both attacking and defending. The queen starts next to the king on the board and is often used in strategic moves to control the center of the game. Due to its strength, losing the queen is often a significant setback in a chess game.
a chess piece that is represented by a small tower-shaped object, typically with a pointed top, and is one of the six types of pieces used in the game
A rook is a chess piece that moves in straight lines, either horizontally or vertically, across the board. It can travel any number of squares in these directions, as long as its path is not blocked by other pieces. The rook starts in the corners of the board at the beginning of the game. In addition to its regular movement, the rook plays a key role in a special move called castling, where it works together with the king to help protect it. The rook is considered a powerful piece due to its range of movement and is often used in both offense and defense during the game.
a chess piece that is placed next to the king and next to the queen and moves in any direction diagonally
A bishop is a chess piece that moves diagonally across the board. It can travel any number of squares along a diagonal, but it cannot move horizontally or vertically. Each player starts with two bishops, one on a light-colored square and one on a dark-colored square, and each bishop can only move on squares of the same color it started on. The bishop is a powerful piece in the endgame because of its long-range movement, but it is often less valuable in the early stages of the game when the board is crowded with other pieces.
a chess piece that looks like the head of a horse and can either move two vertical and one horizontal squares or two horizontal and one vertical squares in any direction
A knight is a unique chess piece that moves in an L-shape: two squares in one direction, then one square perpendicular to that, or one square in one direction and then two squares perpendicular. This distinctive movement allows the knight to jump over other pieces on the board. The knight is the only piece that can move in this way, making it useful in crowded positions or for attacking pieces that are otherwise protected. Each player starts with two knights, one on the left and one on the right of the back row.
one of the eight weakest pieces in chess, usually smaller in size compared to other pieces
A pawn is the simplest and smallest piece in chess, but it plays an important role. It moves forward one square at a time, but on its first move, it has the option to move two squares. Pawns capture other pieces diagonally, one square forward to the left or right. When a pawn reaches the opponent's back row, it can be promoted to any other piece, except the king, typically a queen. Pawns are often used to control space on the board and to protect more valuable pieces. Because of their limited movement, pawns are often considered less powerful than other pieces, but they can become strong when promoted.
the player who uses the pieces of the black color, who moves second in the game
the player or side in chess that moves first, typically using the white pieces
a chess move that puts the opponent's king under the threat of a direct attack by the chess pieces of the other player
Check is a situation in chess where a player's king is under direct threat of being captured by an opponent's piece. When a king is in check, the player must take action to protect it by either moving the king to a safe square, blocking the attack with another piece, or capturing the threatening piece. If the king cannot escape check, the game progresses toward checkmate, which ends the game.
a chess move that makes the opponent's king unable to escape, which means that opponent has lost
Checkmate is a situation in chess where a player's king is under direct threat of being captured by an opponent's piece and there is no way to move the king to a safe square, block the attack, or capture the attacking piece. When a king is checkmated, the game ends, and the player whose king has been checkmated loses the game. The goal of chess is to checkmate the opponent’s king while keeping one's own king safe.
when neither player is able to win the game, typically because there are no more legal moves available or because both players agree to a draw
a situation in the game of chess where one is unable to make any legal moves while their king is not checkmated, therefore the game ends and no one wins
Stalemate is a situation in chess where a player has no legal moves and their king is not in check. This results in a draw, meaning neither player wins. A stalemate occurs when a player’s pieces are positioned in such a way that they cannot make any move without placing their own king in check, but the king itself is not under direct threat. Stalemates often happen when the game reaches a point where one player has very few pieces left, but no way to escape the other player’s position.
/θɹˈiːfoʊld ɹˌɛpətˈɪʃən/
a rule that occurs when the same position on the board occurs three times with the same player to move, or if the same sequence of moves occurs three times with the same player to move, resulting in a draw or stalemate
Threefold repetition is a rule in chess where the game can be declared a draw if the same position occurs three times with the same player to move and all possible moves remaining the same. This can happen at different points in the game, and the repetitions do not need to be consecutive. The player who wishes to claim a draw due to threefold repetition must make the claim before making their next move. This rule is in place to prevent endless cycles of moves without progress toward checkmate.
Grammatical Information:
/tˈaɪm kəntɹˈoʊl/
the amount of time each player has to make their moves during a game, with various formats and time limits available, such as a fixed amount of time per move or a total time for the entire game, and with additional time increments or time delays added after each move
Time control is a rule in chess that sets a limit on the amount of time each player has to make their moves during the game. There are different types of time control, such as classical, where each player has a set amount of time for the entire game, and blitz or rapid, where each player has less time per move or a fixed time for the whole game. If a player runs out of time before making a move, they lose the game, regardless of the position on the board. Time control adds an element of pressure, requiring players to think quickly while maintaining strategic focus.
Grammatical Information:
/fˈɪftimˈuːv ɹˈuːl/
a rule in chess stating that if no capture has been made and no pawn has been moved in the previous fifty moves by each player, either player can claim a draw
The fifty-move rule in chess states that if fifty consecutive moves are made by both players without a pawn being moved or a piece being captured, either player can claim a draw. This rule is in place to prevent endless games with no progress, often in situations where the players have very few pieces left and no clear way to force a checkmate. The count resets whenever a pawn is moved or a capture is made. This rule ensures that games are concluded in a reasonable amount of time.
Grammatical Information:
/kˈæslɪŋ/
a move in the game of chess that allows the king and one of the rooks to move simultaneously
Castling is a special move in chess that involves the king and one of the rooks. The king moves two squares toward the rook, and the rook then moves to the square next to the king on the opposite side. Castling can only be done under certain conditions: neither the king nor the rook involved can have moved previously, there can be no pieces between the king and the rook, and the king cannot be in check or move through a square that is under attack. The purpose of castling is to protect the king by moving it to a safer position, typically behind a row of pawns, while also developing the rook.
/ˈɛn pˈæsənt/
a special pawn capture move in chess that can occur when a pawn moves two squares forward from its starting position and lands adjacent to an opposing pawn on the fifth rank
En passant is a special chess move that can occur when a pawn moves two squares forward from its starting position and lands next to an opponent’s pawn. In this case, the opponent can capture the pawn as if it had only moved one square forward. The en passant capture must be made immediately after the two-square move, or the right to capture is lost. This rule is in place to prevent a pawn from avoiding capture by advancing too quickly and to keep the game fair by maintaining the strategic balance between pawns.
/zˈʌɡzwæŋ/
a term in chess used to describe a situation where a player would prefer to pass their turn and make no move, as any move they can make would put them in a weaker position or lead to an eventual loss
Zugzwang is a situation in chess where a player is forced to make a move that will worsen their position, because any possible move leads to a disadvantage. In zugzwang, a player would prefer to pass their turn, but since that is not allowed, they must make a move that causes harm, often leading to a loss or a draw. This situation typically occurs in endgames, where the player has fewer pieces, and even a small move can change the outcome of the game.
/tʃˈɛs sˈɛt/
a collection of pieces used to play the game of chess, typically consisting of 32 pieces in total, with 16 pieces for each player
Grammatical Information:
/tʃˈɛs klˈɑːk/
a device used to time the moves of players during a game of chess, with two clocks typically used for each player, one with a button that stops their clock and starts their opponent's clock, and vice versa
A chess clock is a timing device used in chess to keep track of the time each player spends making moves. It consists of two clocks, one for each player, and only one clock runs at a time. When a player finishes their move, they press a button on their clock to stop it and start the opponent's clock. Chess clocks are used in games with time controls, such as blitz, rapid, or classical chess, to ensure that both players have a limited amount of time to make their moves. If a player runs out of time, they lose the game, regardless of the position on the board.
Grammatical Information:
/fˈæst tʃˈɛs/
a type of chess game with a significantly reduced time control compared to traditional chess, typically with each player having only a few minutes or seconds to make their moves
Fast chess refers to a chess game played with a time control that gives players limited time to make their moves, usually much shorter than in traditional chess. Types of fast chess include blitz, where each player has a few minutes for the entire game, and rapid, where each player has slightly more time, usually 10 to 15 minutes. The shorter time limits increase the pace of the game, requiring players to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. Fast chess is popular for its exciting, fast-paced nature and is commonly played in online and tournament settings.
Grammatical Information:
/ˌældʒɪbɹˈeɪɪk noʊtˈeɪʃən/
a standardized system used to record and describe the moves made in a game of chess, with each square of the chessboard being assigned a unique letter and number coordinate, and each piece being represented by its first letter
Algebraic notation is the standard system used to record and describe moves in a chess game. Each square on the chessboard is identified by a unique combination of a letter and a number. The vertical columns, or files, are labeled from "a" to "h," starting from the left side, and the horizontal rows, or ranks, are labeled from "1" to "8," starting from the bottom. Each piece is identified by a letter, such as K for king, Q for queen, N for knight, R for rook, B for bishop, and no letter for pawns. A move is recorded by specifying the piece's starting square and its destination square, for example, e2 to e4 is written as e2-e4. Captures are noted with an "x," for example, exd5 means a pawn on the e-file captures a piece on d5. Algebraic notation is widely used in chess literature, tournaments, and online games.
Grammatical Information:
/skˈɑːlɚz mˈeɪt/
a four-move checkmate sequence in chess that can occur when one player moves their pawn to e4, their bishop to c4, and their queen to h5, threatening to checkmate the opposing king on f7
Scholar's mate is a quick checkmate that can occur in chess, usually within the first few moves. It happens when one player places the opponent’s king in check and checkmate using a combination of the queen and bishop. The typical sequence involves the player moving their pawn to e4, followed by the queen moving to h5 or f3, and the bishop being positioned to c4 or c5. If the opponent does not defend properly, the queen and bishop can coordinate to checkmate the king on f7 or f2. Scholar's mate is a simple tactic often used by beginners to win early in the game.
the highest title a player can achieve, awarded by FIDE to players who have demonstrated exceptional skill and achievement in chess tournaments and matches
A grandmaster (GM) is the highest title in chess, given to players who show exceptional skill. To earn this title, a player must perform well in important competitions and reach a certain rating that shows they are among the best. Once someone becomes a grandmaster, they keep the title for life. Grandmasters are known for their deep understanding of the game and have made important contributions to chess. Achieving this title takes many years of hard work, practice, and success in top-level games.
the initial stage of the game, where players make their first moves to develop their pieces and control the center of the board
/mˈɪdəlɡˌeɪm/
the phase of the game that follows the opening, where players have developed their pieces and are looking to create an advantageous position on the board
the final phase of the game that follows the middlegame, where only a few pieces remain on the board and where the focus shifts to pawn promotion, checkmate, and strategic play with the remaining pieces
/tʃˈɛs pɹˈɑːbləm/
a puzzle or challenge in the game of chess that involves finding a specific sequence of moves that leads to a particular outcome, such as a checkmate or a draw
A chess problem is a specially composed puzzle that requires a player to find a specific solution, usually involving checkmate or a series of moves leading to a favorable outcome. These problems are not from real games but are designed to challenge a player's ability to think creatively and solve complex situations. Chess problems often present a position where one player must deliver checkmate in a set number of moves or achieve another goal, such as gaining material. Solving chess problems helps improve tactical skills and deepen one's understanding of the game.
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a situation where a player is given a free point without having to play a game, typically due to an odd number of players in the tournament or an uneven number of rounds
A bye refers to a situation where a player does not participate in a round, usually because there is an odd number of players in a tournament or event. The player who receives the bye automatically progresses to the next round without playing a game. This can happen when there is no opponent available, and typically, the player is awarded a point or half-point depending on the tournament rules.
a serious tactical or positional mistake that results in a significant disadvantage or loss of material, often leading to a loss of the game
A blunder in chess is a serious mistake, often leading to a significant disadvantage or loss of the game. It usually happens when a player overlooks a move or makes a poor decision that results in the loss of material, a missed checkmate, or a weakened position. Blunders are typically unintentional and can occur when a player is under pressure, distracted, or miscalculates a move. A blunder can turn the tide of the game, and it is one of the most costly mistakes a player can make.
a sequence of moves that involves a tactical sacrifice or exchange of material to gain a positional or tactical advantage, often leading to a decisive advantage or checkmate
A combination in chess is a series of moves that leads to a tactical advantage, such as winning material or achieving checkmate. Combinations often involve sacrifices, where a player deliberately gives up a piece to gain a more favorable position or to set up a winning move. They require deep calculation and foresight, as players must plan several moves ahead to execute the sequence effectively. Combinations are a key part of chess strategy and can turn the game in favor of the player who sees them and uses them correctly.
a piece that is sacrificed with the aim of achieving tactical gains, especially in a losing or desperate situation
In chess, a desperado is a piece, usually a pawn, knight, or rook, that is about to be captured but is sacrificed in a way that forces the opponent to deal with it, often causing them to make a less favorable move. The desperado piece is typically used to create a distraction or to open up a tactical opportunity, even though it will ultimately be lost. The goal is to use the piece’s position to gain a strategic advantage, like capturing an important opponent’s piece or setting up a more powerful attack.
the capture of a rook for a minor piece, such as a knight or bishop, or vice versa
In chess, an exchange refers to the trade of pieces, usually involving giving up a rook to capture a knight or bishop. This trade is often considered unfavorable for the player losing the rook, as rooks are generally more powerful than knights or bishops due to their greater range of movement. The term "winning the exchange" refers to trading a rook for a lesser piece, like a knight or bishop, in a way that creates a material advantage. Players evaluate exchanges based on the position, piece activity, and their overall strategy, often aiming to improve their position or gain a long-term advantage through such trades.
/fˈuːlz mˈeɪt/
a two-move checkmate sequence in chess that can occur when one player makes an early mistake by moving their f-pawn or g-pawn too far forward, leaving their king vulnerable to attack
Fool's Mate is the fastest possible checkmate in chess, occurring in just two moves. It happens when one player makes extremely weak opening moves, usually advancing the pawns in front of the king and bishop, leaving the king exposed. The opposing player then uses their queen or bishop to deliver checkmate, as the king cannot escape. Fool's Mate is rare in serious games because it relies on major mistakes, but it serves as a lesson about protecting the king and avoiding careless moves at the start of the game.
a tactic in which a single piece attacks two or more of the opponent's pieces at the same time, forcing the opponent to choose which piece to defend and allowing the attacker to capture the other
In chess, a fork is a tactical move where a single piece attacks two or more enemy pieces at the same time. While knights are the most common pieces to create forks, any piece, including pawns, can deliver this tactic. The purpose of a fork is to force the opponent to save only one of the threatened pieces, leaving the other to be captured. Forks are powerful because they often lead to gaining material or achieving a positional advantage, making them an essential part of chess strategy and tactics.
(chess) an opening strategy in which a player voluntarily sacrifices a pawn or sometimes a more valuable piece, typically in the early moves of the game
In chess, a gambit is an opening strategy where a player sacrifices a pawn or another small piece to gain an advantage, such as better positioning, faster development of pieces, or creating attacking chances. The opponent must decide whether to accept the gambit by capturing the offered piece or decline it to avoid falling into a trap. Gambits are often used to put pressure on the opponent early in the game, forcing them to respond carefully. Successful gambits can lead to strong attacks, while poorly executed ones may leave the player at a disadvantage.
/ˈoʊpən ɡˈeɪm/
a game that features early pawn exchanges and a relatively open center of the board, often resulting in more active and tactical play
In chess, an open game refers to a position where the center of the board has been cleared of pawns, allowing for greater movement of pieces, especially bishops and queens. Open games typically occur after both players advance their central pawns early in the opening. This leads to open lines and diagonals, encouraging active play, quick development of pieces, and tactical opportunities. Open games are known for being dynamic and fast-paced, favoring players who excel at calculation and piece coordination. They often result in exciting, attacking chess with many possibilities for both sides.
Grammatical Information:
a square on the board that is under the control of one player's pawn and cannot be attacked by the opponent's pawns, making it an ideal position for a knight or bishop to occupy and control important squares on the board
In chess, an outpost is a square on the board that is well-defended and difficult for the opponent to challenge, often located in the enemy's territory. A piece, usually a knight, occupies this square and is supported by its own pawns, making it hard for the opponent to remove it. Outposts are valuable because they provide a strong position from which the piece can exert influence on the board, control key squares, and support other pieces. Establishing an outpost can be a key part of a player's strategy, as it creates a lasting advantage.
/nˈaɪts tˈʊɹ/
a mathematical problem and a chess puzzle that involves finding a sequence of moves for a knight that visits every square on an empty chessboard exactly once
A knight's tour is a chess puzzle where the goal is to move the knight around the board to visit every square exactly once, without revisiting any square. The knight must follow its unique movement pattern, which forms an L-shape. There are two types of knight's tours: open, where the knight does not end on the square it started, and closed, where it finishes on the square it began, creating a continuous loop. The knight's tour is often used to study algorithms and problem-solving strategies in mathematics and computer science.
/ɹˈaʊndɹˈɑːbɪn/
a type of tournament in which each player or team competes against every other player or team in the tournament once. In a round-robin tournament, participants are organized into a single group and play a series of matches, with points being awarded for wins, draws, and losses
A round-robin is a type of tournament format where each participant competes against every other participant. In a round-robin chess tournament, each player plays a game against all the other players, ensuring that everyone faces every opponent. The results of these games are used to determine the winner based on the number of points earned, with a win typically earning one point and a draw half a point. The player with the most points at the end of all the games is declared the winner. This format is popular in many sports and games because it guarantees that all participants have equal opportunities to compete.
a deliberate move in which a player gives up material, such as a pawn, knight, bishop, rook, or even a queen, in exchange for a strategic or tactical advantage
In chess, a sacrifice is when a player deliberately gives up a piece, usually in the hopes of gaining a greater advantage later in the game. The piece is offered in exchange for something more valuable, such as a stronger position, a tactical opportunity, or to set up a checkmate. Sacrifices can be either material, where the player loses a piece, or positional, where the player may give up a piece to improve their overall position. A well-timed sacrifice can dramatically change the course of a game, but it carries risk, as it involves giving up something of value.
/sˈɛmaɪˈoʊpən ɡˈeɪm/
a chess game that starts with 1.e4, but where Black responds with a move other than 1...e5, often resulting in a closed or semi-closed position
In chess, a semi-open game occurs when one player opens the game with 1.e4, which is pawn to e4, and the other responds with a move other than 1...e5, such as 1...c5, which is the Sicilian Defense, or 1...e6, which is the French Defense. This creates an asymmetrical position where one player's central pawn is more advanced than the other's. Semi-open games are often rich in tactical opportunities and offer both players chances for counterplay. They are typically more dynamic and complex than open games, as both sides must carefully maneuver their pieces to maintain a strong position.
Grammatical Information:
/sˌaɪməltˈeɪniəs ɛksɪbˈɪʃən/
a chess event in which a strong player, usually a grandmaster, plays multiple games at the same time against a group of opponents, moving from board to board and making one move at a time
A simultaneous exhibition in chess is an event where a strong player, often a grandmaster, plays against multiple opponents at the same time. The strong player moves from one board to another, making a move on each one, while the opponents are left to make their own moves. The aim is for the strong player to win all games, though they may draw or lose some. These exhibitions are used to demonstrate the skill of the top player and offer a unique experience for those involved, as they get a chance to play against a highly skilled opponent.
Grammatical Information:
/dˈʌbəl tʃˈɛk/
a situation where the opponent's king is attacked by two pieces simultaneously, and the king must move because it cannot be protected by capturing one of the attacking pieces
In chess, a double check is a special type of check where two pieces simultaneously deliver a threat to the opponent’s king. This occurs when a piece, such as a knight or a rook, moves to a position where it checks the king, while another piece, often the queen or bishop, also creates a check. Since the king is under threat from two directions at once, the only way to escape is to move the king, as capturing or blocking one of the attacking pieces is not possible. Double checks are powerful tactics because they leave the opponent with fewer defensive options.
Grammatical Information:
/dɪskˈʌvɚd tʃˈɛk/
a tactic where a player moves one of their pieces, revealing an attack on the opponent's king by another piece that was previously blocked or hidden behind the moving piece
In chess, a discovered check occurs when a player moves one of their pieces, revealing that another piece, usually a rook, queen, or bishop, is now attacking the opponent’s king. The key aspect of a discovered check is that the check is only revealed after the player moves the piece blocking the attacking piece’s line of sight. This can be a powerful tactic, as it forces the opponent to respond to the check while also potentially setting up other threats. Discovered checks are often used to surprise the opponent and create strong attacking opportunities.
Grammatical Information:
/dɪskˈʌvɚd ɐtˈæk/
a tactic where moving one piece uncovers an attack by another piece, creating a double threat and putting pressure on the opponent
In chess, a discovered attack occurs when a player moves one piece, revealing that another piece is now attacking an opponent's piece or position. Unlike a discovered check, where the king is in check, a discovered attack can involve any piece, not just the king. The player uses the movement of one piece to uncover the threat from another, often catching the opponent off guard. This tactic can be highly effective, as it allows the player to create multiple threats at once, making it difficult for the opponent to defend against all of them.
Grammatical Information:
/kˈɪŋz ˈɪndiən dɪfˈɛns/
a chess opening where Black sets up a strong defense and plans to attack the opponent's position later in the game
The King's Indian defense is a strategy in chess where Black allows White to take control of the center early in the game, while Black focuses on building a strong defense and preparing to attack later. Black moves their knight and then a pawn to g6, planning to place a bishop on the long diagonal to control the board. The goal for Black is to let White spread out their pieces, then strike back, especially on the side of the board where the king is located. This opening leads to exciting and tricky situations, as Black looks for chances to attack after waiting for the right moment.
Grammatical Information:
a player's action of threatening to capture an opponent's piece, control key squares, or put the opponent's king in checkmate
/pɚpˈɛtʃuːəl tʃˈɛk/
a situation where one player continuously checks the opponent's king with no possibility of reaching a checkmate, resulting in a drawn game due to a stalemate or a threefold repetition
Perpetual check is a situation in chess where one player continuously checks the opponent’s king, making it impossible for them to escape the series of checks. This typically happens when the player delivering the checks keeps moving their pieces in a way that forces the opponent’s king into a cycle of being checked, often with no way for the opponent to defend or move their king to safety. The game can end in a draw if this situation continues, as the opponent cannot avoid the repeated checks. Perpetual check is often used as a defensive tactic when a player is losing but wants to avoid checkmate.
Grammatical Information:
/dˈɛd dɹˈɔː/
a position where neither player has a realistic chance of winning, typically due to a lack of material or a highly symmetrical and locked position, resulting in an inevitable draw if the players continue to play perfectly
A dead draw in chess refers to a situation where the game ends in a draw because neither player can force a checkmate, regardless of the moves made. This can occur when there are not enough pieces left on the board to checkmate the opponent, or when both players agree to a draw after a long series of moves. A dead draw can also happen in cases like stalemate, threefold repetition, or the fifty-move rule, where no player can make progress. Essentially, it is a position where the game reaches a dead end with no winner.
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a tactical maneuver where a piece is sacrificed or placed in a vulnerable position to lure the opponent into making a disadvantageous move or to redirect their attention away from a more critical part of the board
A decoy in chess is a tactic where one player uses a piece to distract or mislead the opponent, often to set up an attack or gain a strategic advantage. The decoy piece is placed in a position that forces the opponent to focus on it or make a defensive move, while the player’s actual plan is to attack elsewhere on the board. This tactic can trick the opponent into making moves that weaken their position, allowing the player to gain a better advantage or deliver a surprise attack.
a series of sporting games in which teams or players compete against different rivals in different rounds until only one remains and that is the winner
A tournament is a competition where multiple teams or individuals compete against each other in a series of matches or rounds to determine the winner. Tournaments are usually organized in a structured format, with participants facing off in either knockout rounds, where the loser is eliminated after each match, or round-robin formats, where everyone plays against each other. Tournaments can be held at local, national, or international levels, and they are commonly seen in sports, games, and other activities where skill or performance is tested.
/kɹˈɔstʃˈɛk/
a tactical move in response to a check, where the checked player delivers a counter-check by moving another piece, creating a double threat that must be addressed by the opponent
In chess, a cross-check occurs when a player responds to an opponent's check by delivering a check of their own, often using a piece that blocks the original check or reveals a discovered check. This tactic can be particularly effective in endgames where it forces the opponent to deal with the new check, potentially disrupting their plans and leading to a favorable outcome for the player delivering the cross-check.
/kˈændᵻdˌeɪt mˈuːv/
a potential move that a player considers during their turn as they analyze the possible outcomes and select the best course of action
A candidate move in chess refers to a move that a player considers as a possible option during a game. These are moves that the player thinks could help improve their position or lead to a good outcome. Before making a move, a player often evaluates several candidate moves, weighing their potential benefits and risks. The process involves analyzing the consequences of each move and choosing the one that seems best according to the overall strategy. Candidate moves are key in finding the most effective move in a given situation.
Grammatical Information:
/bˈoʊdənz mˈeɪt/
a rare but elegant checkmate pattern named after Samuel Boden, where two bishops coordinate to deliver checkmate to the opponent's king
Boden's Mate is a checkmate pattern in chess where a player checkmates the opponent’s king using two bishops, typically positioned on crossed diagonals. This pattern usually occurs when the opponent's king is trapped in a corner or along the edge of the board, and the two bishops work together to cover the escape squares. Boden's Mate is named after the 19th-century chess player George Boden, who first used this checkmate pattern in a game. It is a relatively rare, but beautiful, checkmate that demonstrates the power of bishops working in harmony.
Grammatical Information:
/tˈʌtʃmˈuːv ɹˈuːl/
a fundamental rule in chess that requires a player, who touches one of their own pieces, to move that piece if it has a legal move available
The touch-move rule in chess states that if a player touches one of their pieces during their turn, they must move that piece, if it is legally possible. If the player touches an opponent's piece, they must capture it, if it is allowed. This rule helps to ensure fairness and prevents players from making accidental or misleading moves. The touch-move rule applies in both formal and casual games, and in tournament play, failing to follow it can result in penalties or losing the game.
Grammatical Information:
the advantage gained by making a move that forces the opponent to lose time or by achieving a position with fewer moves
In chess, tempo refers to the number of moves a player makes to achieve a particular position. Gaining a tempo means achieving the same position with fewer moves, while losing a tempo means taking more moves than necessary. This concept is crucial because it allows a player to develop their pieces more efficiently, potentially gaining a strategic advantage. For example, if a player can develop a piece without the opponent being able to respond effectively, they gain a tempo. Conversely, if a player moves a piece that the opponent can easily attack or force to move again, they lose a tempo. Mastering the use of tempo can lead to better piece placement and control over the game.
/bˈækwɚd pˈɔːn/
a pawn that is behind its adjacent pawns on the same file and cannot be easily advanced, making it vulnerable to attacks and potentially weakening the player's pawn structure
A backward pawn in chess is a pawn that is positioned behind all other pawns on nearby columns and cannot safely advance without being captured. This typically occurs when pawns on neighboring columns have moved forward, leaving the backward pawn isolated. Backward pawns are considered weak because they are vulnerable to attacks, often becoming targets for the opponent’s pieces. They can be exploited by placing an opponent's piece in front of them, and they often limit the mobility of other pieces, making it a disadvantageous position.
Grammatical Information:
a setup where two or more pieces of the same color are aligned along a file, rank, or diagonal, increasing their combined attacking power and potential threats to the opponent's position
In chess, a battery refers to two or more pieces, typically a queen and a rook or two rooks, placed on the same line, rank, file, or diagonal, to work together and create a stronger attack. The idea is that these pieces support each other, allowing one to defend or enhance the power of the other. A battery can be used to apply pressure on the opponent's position, particularly when aimed at key targets like the opponent’s king or a weak pawn. This tactic often leads to a devastating attack if the opponent is not careful.
/bˈækɹˈæŋk mˈeɪt/
a checkmate pattern where the opponent's king is trapped on the back rank of the board and is mated by a rook or queen that delivers the checkmate along the same rank
A back-rank mate is a checkmate that occurs when an opponent’s king is trapped on the back rank, usually by its own pawns. This happens when the pawns block the king’s escape, and an attacking piece, like a queen or rook, delivers a check. The king cannot move to any other square because it is surrounded by its own pieces, and there are no pieces left to block or capture the attacking piece. A back-rank mate often arises when the opponent has neglected to create space for their king to escape on the back rank.
Grammatical Information:
/bˈɛɹ kˈɪŋ/
a situation where one player has no pieces left on the board, and their king is the only remaining piece
A bare king in chess refers to a situation where one player only has their king remaining on the board, with no other pieces left. This can happen if the player’s pieces are all captured, leaving only the king. While a bare king cannot win the game, it can still be a key part of a draw in certain situations, such as when the opponent is unable to checkmate the king due to a lack of sufficient material. However, the game typically continues until one player is checkmated or a draw is declared.
Grammatical Information:
the rule that allows a pawn to be promoted to a higher-ranking piece when it reaches the opposite end of the board
Promotion in chess occurs when a pawn reaches the opponent’s back rank, which is the row closest to the opponent’s side of the board. When this happens, the player must replace the pawn with another piece, usually a queen, but it can also be a rook, bishop, or knight. The new piece is then placed on the board, and the player gains its full power. Promotion is a key strategy because it allows a player to increase their strength by adding a powerful piece to the board, often turning the tide of the game.
/ɐlˈɛkhaɪnz ɡˈʌn/
a tactical formation where two rooks are stacked on the same file, and the queen is behind them, creating a powerful attacking position
Alekhine's gun is a powerful chess tactic named after former world champion Alexander Alekhine. It involves aligning two rooks on the same file, one directly behind the other, with the queen positioned behind them. This formation creates a strong attacking line, allowing the queen to support the rooks and apply significant pressure on the opponent's defenses. The tactic is particularly effective when the opponent's king is on the same file, as it can lead to decisive attacks.
Grammatical Information:
a tactical maneuver where a piece is attacked and unable to move without exposing a more valuable piece behind it to capture
In chess, a pin is a tactic where a piece is forced to stay in its position because moving it would expose a more valuable piece behind it to attack. The piece being pinned cannot move without putting a more important piece, such as the king or queen, in danger. Pins are typically executed with long-range pieces, like rooks, bishops, or queens, which can attack across multiple squares. A pin can be a powerful way to gain material advantage by limiting the opponent's moves and forcing them into a defensive position. There are two types: absolute pin, where moving the pinned piece would expose the king, and relative pin, where the piece could be moved but doing so would still result in a disadvantageous position.
/ˈæbsəlˌuːt pˈɪn/
a pin where the pinned piece is the king, meaning it cannot move without putting the king in check, making it illegal to move the pinned piece
An absolute pin in chess occurs when a piece is pinned against the king, meaning the pinned piece cannot move without exposing the king to check. This makes moving the pinned piece illegal because it would place the king in danger. For example, if a rook or queen attacks a piece that is in line with the opponent's king, that piece cannot move without putting the king in check. Absolute pins are especially strong because they completely restrict the movement of the pinned piece and can force the opponent into a defensive position.
Grammatical Information:
/fɪdˈeɪ/
the international organization that governs the rules and regulations of chess, as well as organizing and regulating international chess competitions
FIDE, which stands for the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (International Chess Federation), is the organization that governs chess worldwide. Founded in 1924, FIDE is responsible for setting the rules of the game, organizing international tournaments, and overseeing chess ratings. It also promotes chess as a sport and supports its development globally. FIDE is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and works to ensure fair play and the growth of chess at all levels, from local clubs to world championships. The organization also awards titles such as Grandmaster, International Master, and others based on performance in competitions.
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