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Explanation
A flank is one of the two outer regions of the board. The queenside flank contains the a-, b-, and c-files; the kingside flank contains the f-, g-, and h-files. A file is a vertical column. The central d- and e-files belong to neither flank.
The word describes where something happens. A pawn advance, numerical majority, or attack may develop on a flank without covering that entire side of the board. For example, the occupy the outer edges of both flanks, while the and stand on the two central files.
'Flank' and 'wing' are normally synonyms. 'Kingside' and 'queenside' can sometimes refer more broadly to each half of the board, so context determines how large a region the writer has in mind.
Usage and context
The word commonly appears in phrases such as flank attack, queenside majority, and kingside expansion.
Common confusions
Flank versus half of the board
Strictly used, the flanks exclude the central d- and e-files. 'Kingside' or 'queenside' may be used more broadly depending on the author.
Sources
- 1.What is Flank?, Daily Chess
- 2.Glossary of Terms in the Laws of Chess, FIDE Rules Commission