Reference · Board & Coordinates

Board & Square Names

Squares are named file + rank. Files are letters a–h (left to right from White's view). Ranks are numbers 1–8 (bottom to top from White's view).

Corner squares

a1 · h1 · a8 · h8

Center squares

d4 · e4 · d5 · e5

White's home rank

Rank 1 (back row)

Black's home rank

Rank 8 (back row)

Starting setup (rank 1 & 8)

FileWhite (rank 1)Black (rank 8)
aRookRook
bKnightKnight
cBishopBishop
dQueenQueen
eKingKing
fBishopBishop
gKnightKnight
hRookRook

Pawns start on rank 2 (White) and rank 7 (Black).

Queen placement rule

RememberThe queen goes on her own color: White queen on d1 (light square), Black queen on d8 (dark square).

See also: Lesson 0001 — The Board & Setup · Glossary