Black

Black can name the player, the side, or that side's sixteen pieces. The term identifies the darker set, even when the actual color is brown or another dark shade that contrasts with the lighter pieces.

White moves first and Black replies; turns then alternate. In the starting position, Black's pawns occupy the seventh rank, the horizontal row numbered 7. The other pieces occupy Black's back rank, the row nearest Black, which is rank 8. Black's pawns move toward lower rank numbers as they travel toward rank 1.

Black Replies Regardless of Orientation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

h8

g

f

e

d

c

b

a

Even with the board rotated, Black's pawns advance from rank 7 toward lower numbers.

The Darker Side Has the Reply

After White's first move, it is Black's turn. Although the viewer places that side at the bottom, the coordinates do not change: the pawns remain on rank 7 and move toward lower rank numbers. The black bishops on c8 and f8 also show that Black's pieces may occupy squares of either color.

1. Even with the board rotated, Black's pawns advance from rank 7 toward lower numbers.
2. Black's bishops occupy c8 and f8, one light square and one dark square.