Chess ReviewHow to Set Up a Chess Board
Keep a light square on your right. Queens start on their own color: white on d1, black on d8.
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Starting position
Place rooks in the corners, then knights and bishops. Put the queen on her own color and the king beside her. Fill the second rank with pawns.
Frequently asked questions
Which way round does the board go?
Each player needs a light square in their near-right corner. If that corner is dark, turn the board around.
Where does the queen start?
On her own colour: the white queen on the light d1 square, the black queen on the dark d8 square. The king takes the square beside her.
Who moves first?
White always moves first. After that the players alternate, one move each.