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.