Equipment & Setup

The standard system for recording chess moves using letters (a–h) and numbers (1–8).

The piece that moves diagonally any number of squares.

A time-control method in which the clock waits a fixed delay before counting down, and any unused delay time is added back to the player's remaining time.

A device with two adjacent timers used to limit the time each player has for their moves.

A complete board and matching collection of pieces used to play the game.

The 8×8 grid of alternating light and dark squares on which chess is played.

A large wall-mounted or easel board used to display a game's moves to spectators.

An older system of recording chess moves (e.g. P-K4) largely replaced by algebraic notation.

An electronic clock that tracks each player's remaining time and can apply increments or delays.

A compact single-line text format that fully describes a chess position.

Extra time added to a player's clock after each move, used in most modern time controls.

The piece that must be protected from checkmate; the objective of the entire game.

The piece that moves in an L-shape and is the only one that can jump over other pieces.

A plain-text file format for recording one or more complete chess games.

The most numerous and least individually powerful chess piece, representing a foot soldier.

The most powerful piece, moving any number of squares in any direction.

The piece that moves horizontally or vertically any number of squares; also called the castle.

The official paper form on which players record their moves during a tournament game.

The standard chess piece design used in official tournament and match play worldwide.

A large posted document showing pairings, results, and standings for a tournament round by round.