Castling: How and When to Do It
The rules for castling kingside and queenside, and the times you can't.
Read the guide →Chess Basics
Special moves: castling, en passant, promotion
Castling, en passant, and promotion trip up almost every new player.
En Passant Explained Simply
The pawn capture that surprises every beginner, with clear examples.
Read the guide →Pawn Promotion: Turning a Pawn Into a Queen
Reach the far side and upgrade your pawn; here's exactly how it works.
Read the guide →More in Chess Basics
← All Chess Basics
How each piece moves
Setting up the board correctly
Check, checkmate, and stalemate explained
Reading and writing chess notation
The value of the pieces
Rules, draws, and how a game ends
The three phases: opening, middlegame, endgame
Basic etiquette and how to play online
Common beginner mistakes to avoid