Board and rules
Board regions
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Center
Level: BeginnerThe central area of the board, with d4, d5, e4, and e5 forming its core.
Flank
Level: BasicAn outer board region formed by the a-, b-, and c-files or by the f-, g-, and h-files.
Kingside
Level: BeginnerThe half of the board formed by the e-, f-, g-, and h-files, where the kings begin.
Queenside
Level: BeginnerThe half of the board formed by the a-, b-, c-, and d-files, where the queens begin.
Back rank
Level: BeginnerThe rank closest to a player, where that side's king, queen, rooks, bishops, and knights begin.
First rank
Level: BeginnerThe horizontal row numbered 1, located along White's side of the board.
Seventh rank
Level: BeginnerThe horizontal row numbered 7, where Black's pawns begin and a white pawn stands one rank from promotion.