Your quick and easy guide to the rules, strategies, and etiquette of chess Kings, queens, knights - does chess seem like a royal pain to grasp? This friendly guide helps you make the right moves. From using the correct terms to engaging in the art of attack, you'll get step-by-step explanations that demystify the game. Offering easily understood explanations of the game and its components, Chess For Dummies is your one-stop resource for improving your chess skills. Chess 101 - get an introduction to the basic elements of chess and familiarize yourself with the board Greet the pieces - meet the rook, bishop, queen, king, knight, and pawn (and get to know their powers) Kick it up a notch - discover the ins and outs of chess notation and different types of tactics and combinations Gain chess know-how - find out how to make sacrifices, pick up on pawn formations, and use patterns for checkmating Put your chess foot forward - grasp the principles of play and the nuances of each phase of the game: the opening, middlegame, and endgame Open the book and find: Rules of the game Plain-English explanations of chess terminology How to pick a board and set Information on the desired destination - checkmate When it's wise to take a hit to secure a greater advantage The various chess competitions you can participate in The ten greatest games and players of all time Learn The elements of the game and the pieces' powers Tactics, combinations, and tips for recognizing different patterns The principles of play that you can use in the opening, middlegame, and endgame.