First rank

The board has eight horizontal ranks, numbered 1 through 8 from White's side. The first rank contains a1, b1, c1, d1, e1, f1, g1, and h1. In each square name, the letter identifies a vertical column and the number identifies the rank.

In the starting position, the first rank holds White's eight non-pawn pieces. It is also White's back rank. For Black, however, it is the far edge of the board: a black pawn that reaches it with a move allowed by the rules lands on a promotion square.

Rank 1 Does Not Change When the Board Rotates

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

h8

g

f

e

d

c

b

a

The row from a1 through h1 remains rank 1 even when the board is shown from Black's side.

a1 Through h1, the Same Rank

Although Black is shown at the bottom, a1, b1, c1, d1, e1, f1, g1, and h1 still form rank 1. In this setup they hold White's eight non-pawn pieces. For a black pawn, the same row is the edge where promotion must be completed upon legal arrival.

1. The row from a1 through h1 remains rank 1 even when the board is shown from Black's side.