The Chess Ladder

Rules & Basics

8 guides

Learn every chess draw rule: stalemate, threefold repetition, fifty-move rule, insufficient material, draw by agreement, and dead position.

Learn the difference between check, checkmate, and stalemate in chess, and understand exactly when a game ends and why.

Learn how to play chess from scratch. This guide covers the board, every piece's moves, check, checkmate, and special rules — all in plain English.

Learn how pawn promotion works in chess, when to pick a queen vs. another piece, and why underpromotion is sometimes the smarter move.

En passant lets you capture a pawn that just moved two squares, as if it only moved one. Here's exactly how it works and when you can use it.

Learn exactly how castling works in chess, the 5 conditions that must be met, and when the rules prevent you from doing it.

Learn exactly where every chess piece goes before a game, including the queen-on-her-color rule and which direction the board faces.

Learn exactly how each chess piece moves, from the powerful queen to the tricky knight, with clear rules and practical tips for beginners.