Basic rules of chess

The ultimate aim in the game of chess is to win by trapping your opponent's king. (This is called checkmate - more on this later.)

White is always first to move and players take turns alternately moving one piece at a time. Movement is required.

Each type of piece has its own method of movement (described in the following sections). A piece may be moved to another position or may capture an opponent's piece. This is done by landing on the appropriate square with the moving piece and removing the defending piece from play.

With the exception of the knight, a piece may not move over or through any of the other pieces.

In tournament play, once a piece has been touched by a player, it must be moved. In sandlot chess this rule is not always strictly adhered to.