CHECK N MATE

WORKBOOK

Beginner
VOL-1

LATEST
EDITION
 INTRODUCTION

Chess is a fascinating game that has captivated players for centuries. It is a

game of strategy, skill, and intelligence that has been played by millions of
people around the world. Chess is an ancient game that has stood the test of
time, with its origins dating back to India in the 6th century AD. It has since
spread across the world and evolved into the game we know and love today.
In this book, we will delve into the intricacies of chess and explore the
various strategies and techniques that are used by players to gain an
advantage over their opponents. Whether you are a beginner or an
experienced player, this book will provide you with valuable insights into
the game and help you improve your skills.
We will start by introducing the basic rules of chess, including how the
pieces move, how to set up the board, and the objective of the game. We
will then explore various strategies and tactics that are used by players to
gain an advantage, including opening moves, mid-game tactics, and
endgame strategies.
Throughout the book, we will provide examples of famous chess games and
highlight key moves and strategies used by the players. We will also provide
tips and advice for improving your game and developing your own unique
playing style.
Chess is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It
is a game that can be played for fun or as a competitive sport, and it is a
game that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. So, whether you are a beginner or
an experienced player, we invite you to join us on this journey and explore
the world of chess.

1
 ABOUT CHECK N MATE
At Check N Mate Chess Academy, we are dedicated to promoting the game
of chess and helping players of all ages and skill levels improve their skills
and achieve their goals.
Our team of experienced coaches are passionate about the game of chess
and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their coaching sessions.
We offer one-on-one coaching, group lessons for schools and
organizations, tournament preparation and analysis, and online coaching.
At Check N Mate Chess Academy, we believe that chess is much more than
just a game. It teaches valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision
making, and perseverance. Our goal is to help our students not only
improve their chess skills, but also develop these important life skills that
will benefit them both on and off the chess board.
We are proud to offer a supportive and welcoming environment where
students can feel comfortable asking questions and learning from their
mistakes. We strive to make our lessons fun and engaging, so that our
students not only learn, but also develop a love for the game of chess.
Thank you for considering Check N Mate Chess Academy for your chess
education. We look forward to helping you achieve your chess goals and
reach your full potential!
Copyright © 2023 by Move it Smart Skill promotor Pvt. ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

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2
 Index
Topic Page no
Session 1 - Recording movement of a piece 4
Session 2 - Recording movement of a pawn 20
Session 3 - Recording capture with a piece 36
Session 4 - Recording capture with a pawn 55
Session 5 - Recording Ambiguous Moves 71
Session 6 - Playing through the Recorded game 1 and 2 98
Session 7 - Recording the game in a score sheet 127
Session 8 - Special move : castling 157
Session 9 - Special move : en – passant 174
Session 10 - Special Pawn promotion 192
Session 11 - Checking the king 210
Session 12 - Getting the king out of “Check” by “Move” 227
Session 13 - Getting the king out of “Check” by “Block” 245
Session 14 - Getting the king out of “Check” by “Capture” 260
Session 15 – Checkmate 275

3
 CHAPTER 1- RECORDING
MOVEMENT OF THE PIECES

Recording the movement of pieces in chess is typically done

using algebraic notation. Each piece has a specific
abbreviation, and .the destination square is indicated after the
abbreviation.

Here are the abbreviations for each piece:

King: K
Queen: Q
Rook: R
Bishop: B
Knight: N
Pawn: no abbreviation
To record a move, you would start with the piece abbreviation
(except for pawns) and then indicate the destination square.

For example:
If a bishop moves to square e4, it is recorded as "Be4."

4
If a knight moves to square f3, it is recorded as "Nf3."
If a pawn moves to square d5, it is recorded as "d5."
In some cases, if there are multiple pieces of the same type that
can move to the same square, additional information may be
included to specify the piece's original location. For example, if
there are two knights that can move to square g3, the move
may be recorded as "Nf3" or "Ndf3" to indicate which knight
moved.

To re-cap, the notation for movement of a Piece from

one square to another is recorded in the following order:

1. Short name of piece, which is moving.

2. The square of its arrival.

3. In case it's Check or Checkmate, the respective

symbol '+' or '#'.

Let check if you understood the notation correctly by

solving the following puzzles

5
Example 1

1. White moves his Queen to a4. Record the move in

chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Qa4+

6
Example 2
2. White moves his Knight to h7. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Nh7

7
 Activity
1. White moves his Bishop to f4. Record the move
in chess notation

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

8
2. Black moves his Queen to b3. Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

9
3. White moves his Rook to d7. Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

10
4. Black moves his Queen to d6. Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

11
5. White moves his king to g4. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

12
6. Black moves his Bishop to d4. Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

13
7. White moves his knight to h6. Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

14
8. Black moves his Queen to d6. Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

15
9. Black moves his Queen to f4. Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

16
10. Black moves his Queen to e5. Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

17
 Some Interesting Facts About Chess

1. Oldest Chess Piece: The oldest known chess piece, a small

ivory figurine, was found in the ancient city of Afrasiab in
Uzbekistan and dates back to the 7th century.

2. Chess in Space: Chess has been played in space! In 1970,

during the Soviet Union's Soyuz 9 mission, cosmonauts
played chess against ground control as an experiment to
test mental performance in space.

3. Longest Chess Game: The longest recorded chess game

played under tournament conditions lasted for 269 moves
and took over 20 hours. It occurred in 1989 between Ivan
Nikolic and Goran Arsovic in Belgrade, Yugoslavia.

4. Deep Blue's Victory: In 1997, IBM's supercomputer Deep

Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a
six-game match. This marked the first time a computer
defeated a reigning world chess champion in a classical
match.

5. Bobby Fischer's Perfect Score: In the 1963-1964 U.S. Chess

Championship, Bobby Fischer achieved a remarkable feat
by winning all 11 games, achieving a perfect score, the only
player in the tournament's history to do so.

18
6. Queen's Power: The queen is the most powerful piece on the
chessboard, capable of moving in any direction, any
number of squares. It gained its modern movements during
the Renaissance, making it a dominant force in the game.

7. En Passant Capture: En passant is a unique chess rule that

allows a pawn to capture an opponent's pawn that moves
two squares forward from its starting position. This rule
was added in the 15th century to compensate for the
pawn's ability to move two squares on its first move.

8. World Chess Champions: The lineage of World Chess

Champions began with Wilhelm Steinitz in 1886. Notable
champions include Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, Bobby
Fischer, and Magnus Carlsen, the current reigning
champion.

9. Chess Variants: Chess has numerous variants that add

exciting twists to the traditional game. Some popular
variants include Chess960 (also known as Fischer Random
Chess), where the starting position of the pieces is
randomized, and Blitz Chess, with significantly faster time
controls.

10. Chess as a Sport: Chess is recognized as a sport by the

International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is included in
the program of the World Mind Sports Games. It requires
mental skill, concentration, and strategic thinking, making
it a unique and engaging competitive activity.

19
 CHAPTER 2- RECORDING THE
PAWN MOVEMENT

The movement of pawns in chess is recorded using

algebraic notation. Unlike other pieces, pawns do not
have specific abbreviations. Instead, only the destination
square is indicated for their moves.

For pawn movement, the destination square is recorded.

Pawns move forward one square at a time, but on their
initial move, they have the option to move forward two
squares. Pawns capture diagonally, so if a pawn captures
a piece, the file (letter indicating the pawn's original
position) is mentioned before the 'x' symbol, followed by
the destination square.

Here are some examples:

Pawn moves:
If a pawn moves to square e4, it is recorded as "e4."
If a pawn moves to square d5, it is recorded as "d5."

20
Pawn captures:
If a pawn on d4 captures a piece on e5, it is recorded as
"dxe5."
If a pawn on g7 captures a piece on f6, it is recorded as
"gxf6."
Promotion:
When a pawn reaches the eighth rank (opponent's last
rank) and promotes to a queen, it is recorded by
indicating the promotion piece after the destination
square. For example, if a pawn on d7 promotes to a
queen on d8, it is recorded as "d8=Q."
By using algebraic notation, players can accurately
record and communicate the movement of pawns during
a chess game

To re-cap, the notation for movement of a Pawn from

one square to another is recorded in the following order
1. The square of its arrival.

2. In case it's Check or Checkmate, the respective

symbol '+' or '#'.
To understand more clearly,lets see some examples.

21
Example 1
1. White moves his pawn to e4. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

1 e4

22
Example 2
2. Black moves his pawn to d5. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
2 d5

23
 Activity
1. Black moves his pawn to d6. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

24
2. Black moves his pawn to e3. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

25
3. White moves his pawn to g3. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

26
4. White moves his pawn to d4. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

27
5. Black moves his pawn to f4. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

28
6. Black moves his pawn to c5. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

29
7. White moves his pawn to e5. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

30
8. White moves his pawn to e6. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

31
9. Black moves his pawn to b6. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

32
10. Black moves his pawn to e3. Record the move in
chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

33
 Interesting facts about famous Chess players

1. Garry Kasparov: Garry Kasparov is widely regarded as one of the

greatest chess players in history. He became the youngest World
Chess Champion in 1985 at the age of 22. Kasparov is known for
his aggressive and dynamic style of play and his rivalry with Anatoly
Karpov.

2. Bobby Fischer: Bobby Fischer is an American chess legend who won

the World Chess Championship in 1972, defeating Boris Spassky.
Fischer's victory in the "Match of the Century" during the Cold War
era brought chess into the global spotlight. However, Fischer's
eccentricities and controversial statements later overshadowed his
accomplishments.

3. Anatoly Karpov: Anatoly Karpov is a Russian chess grandmaster and

former World Chess Champion. He held the title for ten years, from
1975 to 1985. Karpov's positional and strategic mastery earned him
a reputation as a highly skilled and patient player.

4. Magnus Carlsen: Magnus Carlsen is the current World Chess

Champion, having held the title since 2013. The Norwegian
grandmaster is known for his versatility and deep understanding of
the game. Carlsen has broken several records, including achieving
the highest rating in chess history.

5. Viswanathan Anand: Viswanathan Anand, also known as Vishy

Anand, is an Indian chess grandmaster and former World Chess
Champion. He became the first chess grandmaster from India in
1988 and held the world title from 2000 to 2002 and from 2007 to

34
 2013. Anand's style is characterized by his exceptional tactical skills
and quick calculation.

6. Vladimir Kramnik: Vladimir Kramnik is a Russian chess

grandmaster who became the World Chess Champion in 2000,
defeating Garry Kasparov. He held the title until 2007 and is known
for his solid and deeply analytical approach to the game.

7. Judith Polgar: Judith Polgar is a Hungarian chess grandmaster and

the strongest female chess player in history. She broke many gender
barriers in chess and achieved notable victories against top male
players, including Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov.

8. Mikhail Tal: Mikhail Tal, known as the "Magician from Riga," was a
Latvian chess grandmaster and the eighth World Chess Champion.
Tal was renowned for his imaginative and attacking style,
sacrificing material to create complications and launch fierce
attacks against his opponents.

9. Jose Capablanca: Jose Capablanca was a Cuban chess grandmaster

and the third World Chess Champion. He was known for his
exceptional endgame skills and positional understanding.
Capablanca's games were characterized by simplicity, elegance, and
effortless play.

10. Hou Yifan: Hou Yifan is a Chinese chess grandmaster and the
top-ranked female player in the world. She became the youngest
female World Chess Champion in history at the age of 16 in 2010.
Hou Yifan has consistently performed at a high level and continues
to inspire future generations of female chess players.

35
 CHAPTER 3
- Recording Capture with a Piece
In chess, when a piece captures another piece, it is
usually recorded using a standardized notation
system called algebraic notation. The notation
consists of a combination of letters and numbers to
identify the piece that moved, the square it moved
to, and whether a capture occurred.

Here's how capturing is typically recorded:

Piece identification: The first letter of the piece is

used to identify it. For example, "N" represents a
knight, "B" represents a bishop, "R" represents a
rook, "Q" represents a queen, and "K" represents a
king. If it's a pawn, no letter is used.

Destination square: The square to which the

capturing piece moves is indicated using the
algebraic notation for the square. This notation
consists of a letter indicating the file (columns) and
a number indicating the rank (rows). For example,

36
"e4" represents the square in the middle of the
board, and "a7" represents the square on the left side
of the board in the second rank.

Capture symbol: If a capture occurs, the symbol "x"

is placed between the piece identification and the
destination square. This symbol indicates that the
piece on the destination square is captured.

For example, if a knight captures a piece on the

square e5, it would be recorded as "Nxe5." If a pawn
captures a piece on the square f6, it would be
recorded as "fxe6."

It's important to note that when using algebraic

notation, the capture symbol "x" is not always
necessary. If there is no ambiguity in the move, such
as when only one piece can capture the opponent's
piece, the capture can be implied without using the
"x" symbol.

37
 This chapter is basically the extension of training
session # 9 wherein we had learnt to record the
movement of a Piece. The only difference is the
insertion of 'x' (the symbol of capture) after the
symbol of the Piece doing the capturing.

The notation for capture with a piece is recorded in

the following order:

1. Symbol of piece doing the capturing.

2. The symbol of capture - indicated by a small 'x'.
3. The square on which the capture is being made.
4. If Check or Checkmate, the respective symbol
'+' or '#'.

To understand more clearly,lets see some examples.

38
Example 1

Black captures on e1 with his Queen on h4. Record

the Move in Chess

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Qxe1

39
Example 2
White captures on c6 with his Queen on c2. Record the
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Qxf6+

40
Example 3
White captures on e4 with his Knight on g5. Record the
move in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Nxe4

41
Example 4
White captures on f7 with his Rook on f2.Record the
move in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Rxf7

42
 Activity

1. Black captures on e1 with his Queen on e7. Record

the Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

43
2. White captures on f5 with his Rook on f1. Record
the Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

44
3. White captures on d7 with his Queen on d1. Record
the Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

45
4. White captures on d1 with his Rook on c1. Record The
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

46
5. White captures on f4 with his Rook on f1. Record the
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

47
6. White captures on f6 with his Knight on d7. Record
the Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

48
7. White captures on h7 with his Bishop on d3. Record
the Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

49
8. Black captures on e4 with his Knight on f6. Record the
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

50
9. White captures on e4 with his King on e3. Record the
Move in Chess Notation

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

51
10. Black captures on e3 with his Knight on g4. Record
the move in chess notation

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

52
 History of Chess
The game of chess has a rich and storied history that dates back
over a millennium. It originated in Northern India during the
Gupta Empire around the 6th century AD and was known as
"Chaturanga," which means "four divisions of the military."
Initially played on an 8x8 board, Chaturanga represented four
different branches of the Indian army: infantry, cavalry, elephants,
and chariotry.

In the 7th century, Chaturanga spread to Persia, where it

underwent some modifications. The Persians called it "Shatranj,"
and it became popular among the nobility and the Muslim elite.
The game further evolved with changes to the rules and the
introduction of new pieces such as the bishop and queen.
Shatranj made its way to the Islamic world and eventually reached
Europe during the Moorish conquest of Spain in the 10th century.
It quickly gained popularity among the nobility and intellectuals
throughout the continent. The rules underwent further
modifications, such as the introduction of pawn promotion and
castling.

During the Renaissance, chess underwent significant changes, and

the modern rules started taking shape. The queen gained its
powerful movements, making it the most dominant piece on the
board. This transformation occurred in Southern Europe during
the 15th century. The game started to resemble the chess we know
today.

53
Chess became an important part of European culture, with many
treatises and books published on strategy and tactics. The first
recorded international chess tournament took place in London in
1851, and it marked the beginning of competitive chess on a
global scale. The tournament system expanded, and prominent
players emerged, including Wilhelm Steinitz, Emanuel Lasker, and
José Capablanca.
The 20th century witnessed numerous developments in chess. The
World Chess Federation (FIDE) was established in 1924, becoming
the governing body of international chess. The title of World Chess
Champion became highly sought after, with legendary players like
Bobby Fischer, Anatoly Karpov, and Garry Kasparov dominating
the chess scene.
With the advent of computers and artificial intelligence, chess
entered a new era. In 1997, IBM's Deep Blue defeated world
champion Garry Kasparov, marking the first time a computer
defeated a reigning world champion in a classical match. This
event showcased the immense computational power of machines
and their potential in advancing chess theory.
Today, chess remains a globally popular game, played by millions
of enthusiasts and professionals alike. The development of online
platforms and chess-playing software has made the game more
accessible than ever before. It continues to evolve with new ideas,
variations, and strategies, captivating players and challenging their
intellectual abilities.
Chess's enduring appeal lies in its complexity, strategic depth, and
the endless possibilities it offers. As the game continues to evolve, it
serves as a testament to the ingenuity and fascination of human
intelligence.

54
 CHAPTER 4-
Recording Capture with a Pawn

In chess, diagonal pawn capture refers specifically to the act of

a pawn capturing an opponent's piece by moving diagonally.
Here are some important aspects to know about diagonal pawn
capture:

Capture on Adjacent Diagonal Squares: Pawns can capture

enemy pieces that are located on the squares diagonally in
front of them. A pawn captures by moving one square
diagonally forward to the left or right.

Limited Capture Range: Pawns can only capture pieces on the

adjacent diagonal squares. Unlike other pieces, pawns have a
limited range of capturing abilities and cannot capture pieces
that are further away from them.

En Passant Capture: The en passant capture is a special rule

that applies to pawns. If an opponent's pawn moves two
squares forward from its starting position and ends up beside
your pawn, you have the opportunity to capture it "en passant."
You do this by moving your pawn diagonally to the square
where the opponent's pawn would have been if it had moved
55
only one square forward. This can only be done on the very
next move after the opponent's pawn advances two squares.

Promotion after Capture: If a pawn reaches the opponent's

back rank through a capture, it can still be promoted to any
other piece (except a king). The promoted piece replaces the
pawn on the same square.

Blocking Captures: Pawns can also block or interfere with the

diagonal captures of opposing pawns. By placing a pawn on a
diagonal path of an opponent's pawn, you can prevent it from
capturing your pieces or advancing further.

Discovering Attacks: Diagonal pawn captures can sometimes

lead to the discovery of attacks. By capturing an opponent's
piece with a pawn, you can uncover the line of attack for a
more valuable piece behind the capturing pawn, potentially
putting pressure on the opponent's position.

Understanding the rules and strategies surrounding diagonal

pawn capture is crucial for effective pawn play and overall
chess strategy. Properly utilizing diagonal pawn captures can
help control the center of the board, create tactical
opportunities, and influence the flow of the game.

56
In previous chapter we had learnt to record the
movement of a Pawn. However, since the capture
involves the change of 'File', it is recorded in the
following order:

1. The 'File' from which the Pawn departs.

2. The symbol of capture - indicated by a small 'x'.

3. The arrival square of the Pawn after capture.

4. If Check or Checkmate, the respective symbol ' + '

or '#'.

To understand more clearly,lets see some examples.

57
Example 1
Black captures on c6 with his Pawn on b7. Record the
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 hxg3

58
Example 2
Black captures on d4 with his Pawn on e5. Record the
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Dxe5

59
Chapter- Activity
1. White captures on d5 with his Pawn on e4.
Record the Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

60
2. Black captures on c4 with his Pawn on d5. Record the
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

61
3. Black captures on b7 with his Pawn on a7. Record the
move in chess notation

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

62
4. Black captures on b4 with his Pawn on c5. Record the
move in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

63
5. White captures on c4 with his Pawn on d3. Record the
move in chess notation

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

64
6. Black captures on c4 with his Pawn on d5. Record the
move in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

65
7. Black captures on f6 with his Pawn on g7. Record the
move in chess notation

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

66
8. Black captures on d4 with his Pawn on c4. Record the
move in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

67
9. Black captures on d6 with his Pawn on e5. Record the
move in chess notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

68
10. White captures on b5 with his Pawn on c4. Record
the move in chess notation

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

69
 Quotes from famous chess players

1. "The essence of chess is thinking about what chess is." - David

Bronstein

2. "Chess is the struggle against the error." - Johannes Zukertort

3. "In chess, as in life, a man is his own most dangerous opponent." -

Vasily Smyslov

4. "Chess is the art which expresses the science of logic." - Mikhail

Botvinnik

5. "Chess is a beautiful mistress." - Larsen Bent

6. "Chess is everything: art, science, and sport." - Anatoly Karpov

7. "In chess, as in life, we are often faced with choices, and the best
move is not always the most obvious one." - Garry Kasparov

8. "Chess is a war over the board. The object is to crush the

opponent’s mind." - Bobby Fischer

9. "Chess is not only knowledge and logic; it also contains an element

of artistry." - Viswanathan Anand

10. "Chess is like bodybuilding. If you train every day, you stay in top
shape. It is the same with your brain - chess is a matter of daily
training." - Vladimir Kramni

70
 CHAPTER - 5
Recording Ambiguous Moves

Notation Ambiguity: In algebraic chess notation,

moves are recorded using a combination of the
piece's abbreviation and the square it moves to.
However, sometimes multiple pieces of the same
type can move to the same square. For instance, if
there are two knights that can move to the same
square, say c3, without specifying the starting
square, the move would be recorded as Nc3, leaving
the specific knight ambiguous.

Ambiguous moves – to have more than one move on

the same square with the same pieces

To understand more clearly, lets see some examples.

71
Multiple Knights: If there are multiple knights of the same
color on the board and they have the possibility to move to the
same square, the notation alone may not provide enough
information to identify which knight is being moved. In such
cases, additional information can be provided to disambiguate
the move. This can be done by specifying the starting square of
the knight, using the algebraic notation. For example, if there
are knights on b1 and g1, and the knight on b1 is moving to
d2, the unambiguous notation would be "Nbd2" or "N1d2".

Disambiguating Piece Moves: Sometimes, multiple pieces of the

same type can move to the same square. For instance, if there
are two knights that can both move to the same square, say f3,
without specifying the starting square, the move would be
recorded as "Nf3." This notation is ambiguous because it does
not indicate which knight is being moved. In this case,
specifying the starting square or the file of the moving knight,
like "Nbf3" or "N2f3," would remove the ambiguity.

72
Example 1
White captures on g5 with his Knight on e4. Record the
Move in Chess Notation. (Ambiguous capture as the
Knight on f3 can also capture on g5)

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

Nexg5

73
In chess, the movement of a rook itself is not ambiguous,
as it can move horizontally or vertically on the board.
However, there are situations where the notation for a
rook's move can be ambiguous. Here are a couple of
scenarios:
Identical Rooks: If there are two rooks on the same rank
or file, and one of them moves to a square where the
other rook could also move, it can create ambiguity. The
notation "Rd1," for example, doesn't specify which rook
on the d-file is being moved. To disambiguate, additional
information can be provided, such as "R1d1" or "Rad1"
for the rook on the first rank, or "R2d1" or "Rbd1" for the
rook on the second rank.
Multiple Knights: If there are multiple knights of the
same color on the board and they have the possibility to
move to the same square, the notation alone may not
provide enough information to identify which knight is
being moved. In such cases, additional information can
be provided to disambiguate the move. This can be done
by specifying the starting square of the knight, using the
algebraic notation. For example, if there are knights on
b1 and g1, and the knight on b1 is moving to d2, the
unambiguous notation would be "Nbd2" or "N1d2".

74
Example 2
White moves his rook on b1 to c1. Record the Move in
Chess Notation. (Ambiguous move as the Rook on f1 can
also move on c1)

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

Rbc1

75
Pawn Advances: When pawns have the opportunity to
move forward, they can sometimes move one or two
squares. However, if there are multiple pawns that could
move to the same square, it can be unclear which pawn
is being moved. For instance, if there are two pawns on
adjacent files, both capable of advancing one or two
squares, a move notation like "e4" might be ambiguous if
there is a pawn on both the e-file and the d-file that
could make the move. In such cases, it is important to
clarify which pawn is being moved, such as by
specifying the file or rank of the pawn, like "ed4" or "e2-
e4," to remove the ambiguity.

Capturing: Pawns capture diagonally. When there are

multiple pawns that can capture a piece on the same
square, the notation might not indicate which pawn is
making the capture. For instance, if there are pawns on
c4 and e4, and both have the opportunity to capture a
piece on d5, the move might be recorded simply as
"dxc5." In this case, the notation is ambiguous because it
doesn't specify which pawn made the capture. To
disambiguate, additional information can be added, such
as the file of the capturing pawn, like "cxd5" or "exd5,"
to indicate which pawn is involved.

76
To reduce ambiguity in pawn moves, it's essential to
consider the specific rules of pawn movement and
capturing. Providing additional information, such as the
capturing pawn's file or indicating en passant captures
when necessary, can help clarify the notation and
accurately represent the pawn moves.

77
Example 3
White moves his PAWN on d4 to e5. Record the Move in
Chess Notation. (Ambiguous move as the pawn on f4 can
also move on e5)

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

1 dxe5

78
In chess, the movement of a bishop itself is not
ambiguous, as it follows a diagonal path on the board.
However, there are situations where the notation for a
bishop's move can be ambiguous. Here are a couple of
scenarios:

1. Multiple Bishops: If there are multiple bishops of the

same color on the board and they have the possibility to
move to the same square, the notation alone may not
provide enough information to identify which bishop is
being moved. In such cases, additional information can
be provided to disambiguate the move. This can be done
by specifying the starting square of the bishop, using the
file or rank notation. For example, if there are bishops on
c1 and f4, and the bishop on f4 is moving to d6, the
unambiguous notation would be "Bf4d6" or "Bf4-d6".

2. Ambiguous Diagonal Moves: Sometimes, the notation

may not fully clarify the diagonal path the bishop is
taking, especially if there are other pieces or pawns on
the same diagonal. In such cases, it can be helpful to
include additional information about the bishop's
movement. For instance, if there are bishops on g2 and
h3, and the bishop on g2 is moving to e4, the notation
"Be4" could be ambiguous if there are pawns or pieces
79
on the g2-e4 diagonal. To disambiguate, you can use a
more specific notation, such as "Bg2-e4" or "Bg2xe4," to
indicate the specific diagonal the bishop is moving
along.

By providing clear and specific information about the

starting square, the target square, or the path of the
bishop's movement, you can remove ambiguity and
accurately represent the bishop's moves in chess
notation.

80
Example 4
White moves his bishop on a4 to b5. Record the Move in
Chess Notation. (Ambiguous move as the bishop on d3
can also move on b5)

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

1 Bab5

81
In chess, the movement of the queen itself is not
inherently ambiguous, as it is a single piece on the board
with its own unique moves. The queen can move any
number of squares horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
However, ambiguity can arise when indicating the move
of a queen if there are multiple queens on the board or
when specifying the starting square for a queen's move.
Here are a couple of scenarios where ambiguity can
occur:

Multiple Queens: In some cases, there may be more than

one queen on the board for each player. If both queens
have the possibility to move to the same square, the
notation alone might not provide enough information to
determine which queen is being moved. In such
situations, it is important to specify the starting square or
any additional relevant information to clarify the move.
For example, if there are queens on d1 and f3, and the
queen on f3 is moving to d5, the unambiguous notation
would be "Qf3d5" or "Qf3-d5."

Ambiguous Starting Square: Occasionally, if the queen

can move to a particular square from multiple possible
starting squares, it can lead to ambiguity. Suppose there
are two queens on the board, one on d1 and another on
82
g4, and both queens can move to d4. The move "Qd4"
would not be clear on its own. To resolve the ambiguity,
you would need to specify the starting square by using
the rank or file of the queen, such as "Qd1d4" or
"Qg4d4."

In both cases, the ambiguity lies in the need to

differentiate between multiple queens or to specify the
starting square for a queen's move. By providing
additional information, such as the specific queen's
starting position or any relevant details, you can
disambiguate the notation and accurately represent the
queen's movement in chess.

83
Example 5
Black moves his bishop on d4 to e5. Record the Move in
Chess Notation. (Ambiguous move as the bishop on f4
can also move on e5)

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

1 Qfd4

84
 ACTIVITY
1. White moves his Rook on d1 to e1. Record the
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

85
2. Black moves his Knight on c2 to e3. Record the Move
in Chess Notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

86
3. White moves his Rook on a7 to a4 Record the Move
in Chess Notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

87
4. White moves his Knight on e4 to g5. Record the
Move in Chess Notation.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

88
5. Black moves his pawn on f5 to e4.Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

89
6. White moves his Queen on a7 to a8.Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

90
7. Black moves his Knight on d7 to f6.Record the move
in chess notation

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

91
8. Black moves his Queen on b3 to d3.Record the move
in chess notation.

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

92
9. White moves his Rook on h7 to h4.Record the move in
chess notation

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

93
10. White moves his Rook on d8 to f8.Record the move
in chess notation

MOVE NO WHITE BLACK

94
Benefits of playing chess:
Playing chess offers several benefits that extend beyond
the enjoyment of the game itself. Here are some key
benefits of playing chess:
1. Cognitive Development: Chess exercises and
enhances various cognitive skills, including critical
thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and
pattern recognition. The game requires players to
analyze positions, plan moves, anticipate
consequences, and make strategic decisions, thereby
improving their mental agility and intellectual
abilities.
2. Memory Improvement: Chess involves memorizing
opening lines, past games, and tactical patterns.
Regular chess practice can enhance both short-term
and long-term memory, as players learn to recall
moves, positions, and patterns from their memory
banks.
3. Concentration and Focus: Chess demands intense
concentration and focus as players must pay
attention to the board, evaluate different
possibilities, and maintain their mental stamina
throughout the game. Regular chess play can
improve attention span and concentration abilities,
which can be beneficial in various aspects of life.

95
4. Strategic Thinking and Planning: Chess is a game of
strategy and requires players to think strategically,
considering both short-term and long-term goals. It
helps develop skills in planning, analyzing
alternatives, evaluating risks, and adapting to
changing circumstances. These strategic thinking
abilities can be valuable in problem-solving and
decision-making in various real-life situations.
5. Emotional and Psychological Benefits: Chess can
help improve emotional regulation and resilience. It
teaches players to manage frustration, handle
setbacks, and maintain composure in challenging
situations. It also promotes patience, perseverance,
and the ability to handle both victory and defeat
gracefully.
6. Creativity and Originality: Chess encourages
creative and original thinking. While the rules and
constraints of the game are fixed, players have
countless possibilities to explore and find unique
solutions. Chess stimulates the imagination and
nurtures the ability to think outside the box,
fostering creativity in problem-solving.
7. Social Interaction: Chess can be played with friends,
family, or in competitive settings, providing
opportunities for social interaction, communication,
and building relationships. It can be a shared
interest that brings people together and facilitates
bonding and camaraderie.

96
 8. Stress Relief and Relaxation: Engaging in chess can
provide a sense of relaxation and stress relief.
Immersing oneself in the game and focusing on the
intricate moves and strategies can be a form of
mental escape from everyday worries and pressures.
9. Life Skills and Character Development: Chess
teaches important life skills such as discipline,
sportsmanship, patience, perseverance, and the
ability to learn from mistakes. It instills values like
fair play, respect for opponents, and the importance
of hard work and continuous improvement.
These are just a few of the many benefits associated with
playing chess. Whether played casually or competitively,
chess offers a range of mental, emotional, and social
advantages that can positively impact various aspects of
life.

97
 CHAPTER - 6
Playing through a Recorded Game - I & II
Playing through a recorded game in chess is a great way
to study and analyze the moves made by skilled players.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to play through a
recorded game:

Obtain the recorded game: You need a recorded game in

some form, such as a printed book, a chess notation file,
or an online resource. Make sure you have access to the
game you want to play through.

Set up a chessboard: Prepare a chessboard to recreate the

game. Use a physical chessboard or an online chess
platform where you can input the moves and visualize
the positions.

Familiarize yourself with the notation: Review the chess

notation used in the recorded game. The two most
common notations are algebraic notation (e.g., e4, Nf3)
and figurine algebraic notation (symbols for pieces
followed by the target square). Ensure you understand

98
the moves and any annotations or symbols that may be
present.

Start from the initial position: Set up the chessboard to

match the starting position of the recorded game. Place
the pieces according to the game's starting setup: white
pieces on the first rank and black pieces on the eighth
rank.

Play through the moves: Begin playing through the

moves of the recorded game, following the notation. For
each move, physically move the pieces on the board or
use the input function on the online platform to reflect
the new position.

Visualize and analyze: As you play through the moves,

try to visualize the resulting positions and understand
the strategic and tactical ideas behind each move.
Consider alternative moves or variations that might have
occurred in the game.

Take notes and annotations: If you wish to analyze the

game further or make annotations, take notes on

99
interesting moves, key positions, mistakes, or any
insights you gain during the process. This will help you
deepen your understanding of the game and capture
your thoughts for future reference.

Study the game: Once you have played through the

entire recorded game, take the time to review and study
it. Analyze critical positions, evaluate the players'
decisions, and reflect on possible improvements or
alternative moves.

Playing through recorded games is an effective way to

improve your chess skills, learn from strong players, and
enhance your strategic understanding. It allows you to
engage with the game actively and gain valuable insights
into the thought processes and strategies employed by
experienced chess players.

100
During the course of learning our last 6 1essons on chess
notations, we have learned to identify files, ranks, square
names, diagonals, symbol of pieces, method of recording
the movement of pawn and pieces, capture and
ambiguous moves.
We shall now consolidate our knowledge by going
through a recorded game. The method of solving this
chapter is as under:

1. You are required to play through the recorded game

on a chessboard

2. After certain number of moves (say or example at the

end 5/10/15 moves), you will be having 2-
diagrams:

a. One diagram which exactly pertains to the position

b. One diagram which is erroneous.
c. You will be required to compare your board position
and find out which of the two diagrams is correct and is
matching.

101
Example
Question: After black’s 5th move, which of the following two
diagrams confirms to your board position?
Move
White Black
No.
1 e4 e5
2 Nf3 Nf6
3 Bc4 Bc5
4 b4 Bxb4
5 c3 Ba5

(A)

102
 (B)

Answer: Diagram A
(Please note that in diagram B, the Bishop is on Be7

103
 Activity
1. After Black's 5th move which of the following two
diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
No.
1 d4 f5
2 e4 fxe4
3 Nc3 Nf6
4 Bg5 e6
5 Nxe4 Be7

(A)

104
 (B)

105
2. After Black's 10th move which of the following
two diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
No.
6 Bxf6 Bxf6
7 Nf3 o-o
8 Bd3 b6
9 Ne5 Bb7
10 Qh5 Qe7

(A)

106
 (B)

107
3. After White's 13th move which of the following
two diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
No.
11 Qxh7+!! Kxh7
12 Nxf6+ Kh6
13 Neg4+

(A)

108
 (B)

109
4. After White's 18th move which of the following two
diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
No.
13 ... Kg5
14 h4+ Kf4
15 g3+ Kf3
16 Be2+ Kg2
17 Rh2+ Kg1
18 Kd2# 1-0

(A)

110
 (B)

111
5. After Black's 5th move which of the following two
diagrams confirm your board position?
Move
White Black
No.
1 e4 e5
2 Nf3 Nc6
3 Bb5 Nd4
4 Nxd4 exd4
5 Bc4 Nf6

(A)

112
 (B)

113
6. After Black's 10th move which of the following two
diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
No.
1 e5 d5
7 Bb3 Bg4
8 f3 Ne4
9 0-0 d3
10 fxg4 Bc5+

(A)

114
 (B)

115
7. After Black's 1th move which of the following two
diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
No.
11 Kh1 Ng3+
12 hxg3 Qg5
13 Rf5 h5
14 gxh5 Qxf5
15 g4 Rxh5+
16 gxh5 Qe4
17 Qf3 Qh4+

(A)

116
 (B)

117
8. After Black's 21st move which of the following two
diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
No.
18 Qh3 Qe1+
19 Kh2 Bg1+
20 Kh1 Bf2+
Qg1#
21 Kh2
0-1

(A)

118
 (B)

119
9. After Black's 5th move which of the following two
diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
No.
1 d4 f5
2 c4 Nf6
3 Nc3 e6
4 Nf3 d5
5 e3 c6

(A)

120
 (B)

121
10. After Black's 10th move which of the following two
diagrams confirm your board position?

Move
White Black
no.
6 Bd3 Bd6
7 0-0 0-0
8 Ne2 Nd7
9 Ng5 Bxh2+
10 Kh1 Ng4

(A)

122
 (B)

123
Aspects of International Chess Tournament
An international chess tournament is a competition
where chess players from different countries participate
to showcase their skills and compete for prizes. These
tournaments are organized at various levels, ranging
from local and regional events to major international
championships.
Here are some key aspects of international chess
tournaments:

 Format: Tournaments can be organized in different

formats, such as round-robin, Swiss system,
knockout, or a combination of these. In round-robin
tournaments, each player faces every other player in
the tournament. In Swiss tournaments, players are
paired based on their performance in previous
rounds.

 Time Controls: Tournaments usually have specific

time controls that determine the amount of time
players have to make their moves. This could range
from a few minutes per player for rapid or blitz
chess, to several hours per player for classical time
controls.

124
 Rating and Titles: Chess players often have ratings
that indicate their skill level, such as the Elo rating
system. Tournaments may have different rating
categories or sections to ensure fair competition.
Additionally, players can earn various titles, such as
Grandmaster (GM), International Master (IM), and
FIDE Master (FM), based on their performance in
international events.

 Prizes and Prestige: International chess tournaments

offer monetary prizes for top performers, with
larger tournaments featuring substantial prize
funds. Winning prestigious tournaments can
enhance a player's reputation and contribute to their
career progression in the chess world.

 Tournament Cycle: The chess world has a structured

tournament cycle, with major events held regularly.
The World Chess Championship is the pinnacle of
the chess calendar and determines the world
champion. Other notable events include the
Candidates Tournament, FIDE World Cup, Grand
Chess Tour, and various national championships.

125
 Organization: Tournaments are typically organized
by chess federations, national associations, or
private organizers in collaboration with FIDE
(International Chess Federation). FIDE sets the
regulations, standards, and titles for international
chess competitions.

 Spectators and Broadcasting: International chess

tournaments attract a wide audience, both at the
venue and through live broadcasting. Spectators can
watch games in person or follow online streams,
accompanied by expert commentary and analysis.

126
 CHAPTER - 7
Recording the Game on a Score-sheet

Recording a game on a score-sheet in chess is a

traditional method to keep track of the moves and
important information during the game. Here's how you
can record the game on a score-sheet:

Set up the score-sheet: Obtain a chess score-sheet or

create one yourself. The score-sheet typically consists of
a grid with alternating columns for moves made by
White and Black, and rows numbered from 1 to 8 or 1 to
20 to accommodate longer games.

Write down the players' names: At the top of the score-

sheet, write down the names of the players involved in
the game. Indicate which player is playing as White and
which player is playing as Black.

Record the moves: Start with move number 1 and write

down the moves made by each player, alternating

127
between the columns designated for White and Black.
Use algebraic notation to record the moves. For example,
if White moves the pawn from e2 to e4, write "1. e4" in
the appropriate column. If Black responds with moving
the knight from g8 to f6, write "1... Nf6" on the same
row.

Use special symbols and notations: In addition to the

basic moves, you can include special symbols and
notations to enhance the score-sheet. Here are some
commonly used notations:

Captures: Use "x" to indicate captures. For example, if a

pawn captures a piece on d5, write "exd5" or "exd5+" if
it is a check.
Checks and checkmates: Use "+" to indicate checks and
"#" to indicate checkmates. For example, if a move
checks the opponent's king, write "+". If it is a
checkmate, write "#".
Castling: Use "O-O" to denote kingside castling and "O-
O-O" to denote queenside castling.
Pawn promotion: When a pawn reaches the last rank
and promotes to a different piece, specify the promotion

128
piece. For example, if a pawn promotes to a queen on e8,
write "e8=Q".
Record additional information: You can also include
additional information on the score-sheet, such as time
controls, annotations, or remarks about critical positions
or strategic ideas. This can be helpful for later analysis
and review of the game.

By recording the game on a score-sheet, you can have a

physical or written record of the moves, captures, and
important moments throughout the game. It can be a
valuable tool for studying, analyzing, and reviewing
your games or sharing them with others

129
Now that you have done sufficient work on mastering
Chess Notations, Let’s time to start recording the game!

We have given a pictorial representation of one

of the Best Chess Games Of All Time
The game was played between kasparov “vs”
Topalow, wijk ann zee 1999

The game culminated on 20 move, you will be going

through 40 diagrams to record the game.

The move played by each player is shown through an

arrow, which you are required to record in the score-
sheet provided at the end of this chapter.

130
EXAMPLE 1

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Bxb5+

131
EXAMPLE 2

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Qxe4

132
1.

133
2.

134
3.

135
4.

136
5.

137
6.

138
7.

139
8.

140
9.

141
10.

142
11.

143
12.

144
13.

145
14.

146
15.

147
16.

148
17.

149
18.

150
19.

151
20.

152
 CHECK N MATE
SCORE SHEET
Date: Round: Start Time: Table #: Result:

White Signature:
Black Signature:
Move no white black Move no white black
1 11
2 12
3 13
4 14
5 15
6 16
7 17
8 18
9 19
10 20

153
 Chess Olympiad
The Chess Olympiad, also known as the World Chess
Team Championship, is a biennial chess tournament
organized by FIDE. It is considered the most prestigious
team event in the chess world, bringing together
national teams from around the globe to compete for the
title.
Here are some key aspects of the Chess Olympiad:
 Team Format: The Chess Olympiad is a team event
where each participating country sends a team
consisting of typically four main players (including
at least one woman player) and reserve players. The
teams compete against each other in a round-robin
format or Swiss system, depending on the number of
participating teams.

 Men's and Women's Sections: The Olympiad features

separate competitions for men and women. The
men's section is open to all male players, while the
women's section is exclusively for female players.
Both sections are held concurrently.

 Rounds and Time Control: The Olympiad usually

consists of 11 rounds, with one round played each

154
 day. The time control is determined by FIDE, and it
may vary from tournament to tournament.
Generally, players have a specific amount of time to
complete their moves, often with additional time
increments for each move made.

 Scoring System: In each round, teams earn points

based on the results of individual matches between
their players and the opposing team's players. The
most common scoring system is 2 points for a win, 1
point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The team
with the highest total points at the end of the
tournament wins the championship.

 Venue and Host Country: The Chess Olympiad takes

place in various host cities and countries around the
world. The host country is selected by FIDE through
a bidding process. The tournament venue typically
provides playing halls for all the teams, as well as
facilities for spectators, officials, and media
coverage.

 Participation: The Olympiad attracts teams from

over 150 countries, making it a truly global event.
National chess federations select their teams based
on various criteria, such as player ratings,

155
 performance in national championships, and other
qualifying events.

 Individual and Team Awards: In addition to the

team competition, individual medals are awarded to
players based on their performance on their
respective boards (e.g., first board, second board).
The Olympiad also recognizes the best performing
teams in various rating categories, such as the top
teams in different rating ranges.
The Chess Olympiad is known for its rich history,
competitive atmosphere, and the opportunity for players
to represent their countries on the global stage. It offers
an exciting blend of team dynamics and individual
brilliance, making it a highly anticipated event for chess
enthusiasts worldwide.

156
 CHAPTER – 8 Castling
There are three types to special moves
 Castling
 En-passant
 Pawn promotion
Castling is a special move in chess that allows the king to
move two squares towards a rook on its original square,
and the rook moves to the square adjacent to the king on
the other side. It is a way to improve the king's safety and
activate the rook. Here are the key aspects of castling:
1. Conditions: To castle, certain conditions must be
met:
 The king and the chosen rook must not have
moved previously in the game.
 There must be no pieces between the king and
the chosen rook.
 The king must not be in check.
 The squares the king moves through and lands
on must not be under attack by the opponent's
pieces.

157
 2. King's move: The king moves two squares towards
the rook. If castling kingside, the king moves two
squares towards the g1 square for White or g8 for
Black. If castling queenside, the king moves two
squares towards the c1 square for White or c8 for
Black.

3. Rook's move: The rook involved in the castling move

moves to the square adjacent to the king on the
other side. For kingside castling, the rook ends up on
f1 for White or f8 for Black. For queenside castling,
the rook ends up on d1 for White or d8 for Black.

4. Castling notation: Castling is recorded using the

notation "O-O" (kingside castling) or "O-O-O"
(queenside castling) in algebraic notation. "O"
represents the letter 'O,' not the number zero.

Kingside castling examples:

 For White: O-O
 For Black: O-O
Queenside castling examples:
 For White: O-O-O
 For Black: O-O-O

158
Castling is a valuable move in chess as it helps to
safeguard the king, connect the rooks, and prepare for
the midgame or endgame. It is an important aspect of
strategy and development in the early stages of the game.

Castling – the only move where two pieces (King

and Rook) move at the same time.

 The king moves two squares to the side, and the

rook occupies the square that the king just
jumped over.
 Castling protects the king and brings a rook into
play.
 Demonstrate kingside castling vs. queenside
castling
 The rules say you cannot castle:
1.if any pieces are in the way
2.if the king or the rook has moved; or from,
though, or into check

159
There are two types of castling in chess:
Kingside and queenside
Kingside: the king is moved two squares toward the
rook and the rook jumps over the king to f1 and form a
castle.

160
 QUEENSIDE CASTLING

Queenside: The King is moved two squares towards the rook in

queenside. and the rook jumps over the king to d1 and form a
castle.

161
 ACTIVITY
1. Mark · x · on the Landing Square of king after
White Castles King side.

162
2. Mark · x · on the Landing Square of rook after
White Castles King side.

163
3. Mark · x · on the Landing Square of king after Black
Castles queen side.

164
4. Mark · x · on the Landing Square of rook after Black
Castles queen side.

165
5. White is in Check from the Black's Bishop on f6. Can
he Castle in this position?

166
6. White's Bishop on h4 is attacking the d8-square.
Can Black Castle Queen-side in this position?

167
7. Black Knight is attacking the gl square. Can White
Castle King-Side in this position?

168
8. White Bishop is attacking the square. Can White
Castle King-Side in this position?

169
9. Can White Castle in this position?

170
10. Can White Castle in this position?

171
 Top 20 FIDE Rated Chess
Players
Magnus Carlsen (Norway) - FIDE Ranking: 2847

Fabiano Caruana (USA) - FIDE Ranking: 2820

Ding Liren (China) - FIDE Ranking: 2799

Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia) - FIDE Ranking: 2792

Levon Aronian (Armenia) - FIDE Ranking: 278

Alexander Grischuk (Russia) - FIDE Ranking: 2777

Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (Azerbaijan)- FIDE Ranking: 2770

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France) - FIDE Ranking: 2760

Anish Giri (Netherlands) - FIDE Ranking: 2759

Wesley So (USA) - FIDE Ranking: 2759

Viswanathan Anand (India) - FIDE Ranking: 2753

Vladimir Kramnik (Russia) - FIDE Ranking: 2753

172
Sergey Karjakin (Russia) - FIDE Ranking: 2752

Teimour Radjabov (Azerbaijan) - FIDE Ranking: 2752

Levon Aronian (Armenia) - FIDE Ranking: 2750

Hikaru Nakamura (USA) - FIDE Ranking: 2746

Pentala Harikrishna (India) - FIDE Ranking: 2740

Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland) - FIDE Ranking: 2738

Yu Yangyi (China) - FIDE Ranking: 2736

Radoslaw Wojtaszek (Poland) - FIDE Ranking: 2734

For the most up-to-date information on FIDE ratings and

rankings, we recommend visiting the official FIDE website or
other trusted sources.

173
CHAPTER 9 - EN-PASSANT

En passant is a special pawn capture rule in chess that

can occur under specific conditions. It allows a pawn to
capture an opponent's pawn "in passing" immediately
after the opponent moves their pawn two squares
forward from its starting position. Here's how en passant
works:

Timing: En passant can only be performed on the very

next move after the opponent's pawn moves two squares
forward. If the opportunity is not taken on the
immediate move, it cannot be done later.

Eligibility: En passant is only applicable if the capturing

pawn could have captured the opponent's pawn if it had
only moved one square forward. In other words, the
capturing pawn must be on its fifth rank (rank 5 for
White, rank 4 for Black) at the time the opponent's pawn
moves two squares forward.

174
Execution: To execute en passant, the capturing pawn
moves diagonally to the square where the opponent's
pawn would have been if it had moved only one square
forward. The captured pawn is then removed from the
board as if it had been captured normally.

Notation: When recording en passant captures, the

capturing pawn's starting file is noted, followed by "x" to
indicate a capture, and then the square where the
captured pawn would have been if it had moved only
one square forward. For example, if a white pawn on e5
captures an opponent's pawn that just moved from d7 to
d5, it is recorded as "exd6" (e5 captures d5).

En passant can be a tactical and strategic consideration

in certain positions, allowing players to create
opportunities or defend against potential pawn
breakthroughs. It adds another layer of complexity to
pawn dynamics and gameplay in chess.

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En-passant rule is a special pawn capturing move in chess. "En
passant" is a French expression that translates to "in passing",
which is precisely how this capture works.
Example 1

176
Pawns can usually capture only pieces that are directly and
diagonally in front of them on an adjacent file. It moves to the
captured piece's square and replaces it.
Example 2

177
 Activity
1. Black moved his Pawn from f7 to f5. Can White
capture this Pawn En-Passant?

178
2. Black moved his Pawn from g7 to g5. Can White
capture this Pawn En-Passant?

179
3. White moved his Pawn from e2 to e4. Can Black
capture the Black's Pawn on En-Passant?

180
4. Black moved his Pawn from f5 to f4. Can White
capture White's Pawn En-Passant with his e4 Pawn?

181
5. Black moved his Pawn from b7 to b5. . Can White
capture the Black's Pawn on En-Passant?

182
6. White moved his Pawn from e2 to e4. Can Black
capture this Pawn En-Passant?

183
7. White moved his Pawn from d2 to d4. Can Black
capture this Pawn En-Passant?

184
8. White moved his Pawn from f2 to f3. Can Black
capture this Pawn En-Passant?

185
9. White moved his Pawn from g2 to g4. Can Black
capture this Pawn En-Passant?

186
10. White moved his Pawn from d2 to d4. Can Black
capture this Pawn En-Passant?

187
 Here are some historical news events
related to chess:
1. The "Match of the Century" (1972): One of the
most famous chess events in history was the
World Chess Championship match between
Bobby Fischer of the United States and Boris
Spassky of the Soviet Union. It took place in
Reykjavik, Iceland, and was seen as a Cold War
showdown. Fischer emerged as the victor,
becoming the first American to win the World
Chess Championship.
2. Deep Blue vs. Garry Kasparov Rematch (1997):
In a highly anticipated rematch, IBM's chess-
playing computer, Deep Blue, faced off against
Garry Kasparov, the reigning World Chess
Champion. Deep Blue won the match with a
score of 3.5-2.5, marking the first time a
computer defeated a reigning world champion
in a match.
3. Formation of the Grand Chess Tour (2015): The
Grand Chess Tour is a series of chess
tournaments that feature the world's top
players. It was created in 2015 to promote
competitive chess and provide a platform for
players to compete in multiple events. The tour
has since become a prestigious circuit in the
chess world.
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 4. Magnus Carlsen's Reign as World Chess
Champion (2013-present): Magnus Carlsen of
Norway has been the dominant force in chess
since winning the World Chess Championship
in 2013. Known for his exceptional skill and
creativity, Carlsen has successfully defended his
title multiple times, solidifying his status as one
of the greatest chess players of all time.
5. Chess Added to the Olympics (2024): In 2018,
the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
recognized chess as an official sport. As a result,
chess is set to make its debut at the Summer
Olympics in Paris in 2024, featuring rapid and
blitz formats. This development has brought
excitement to the chess community and elevated
the game's status on the global stage.
6. Online Chess Boom During the COVID-19
Pandemic (2020): With people around the
world staying at home due to the COVID-19
pandemic, online chess experienced a
significant surge in popularity. Platforms like
chess.com and lichess.org reported a dramatic
increase in users, as people turned to chess as a
means of entertainment, competition, and social
connection during lockdowns and social
distancing measures.
These historical news events highlight significant
moments, achievements, and developments in the

189
world of chess, showcasing its enduring appeal and
influence in various contexts.

There have been several notable movies that feature

chess as a central theme or prominently include
chess-related elements. Here are some famous
movies on chess:
1. "Searching for Bobby Fischer" (1993): This film
is based on the true story of chess prodigy Josh
Waitzkin. It explores the pressures and
challenges faced by a young chess player and
the contrasting teaching methods of two
coaches. The movie emphasizes the importance
of balance between competitive drive and
sportsmanship.
2. "Queen to Play" (2009): Set in Corsica, this
French-German drama follows the story of a
hotel chambermaid who becomes fascinated
with chess. She begins learning the game and
develops a passion for it. With the help of a
reclusive American expat (played by Kevin
Kline), she aspires to become a chess champion.
3. "The Luzhin Defense" (2000): Based on the
novel by Vladimir Nabokov, this film portrays
the life of Alexander Luzhin, a brilliant yet
mentally unstable chess player. It explores the

190
 relationship between chess and mental illness as
Luzhin faces personal and emotional struggles
while competing in a high-stakes chess
tournament.
4. "Pawn Sacrifice" (2014): This biographical
drama focuses on the life of American chess
prodigy Bobby Fischer, leading up to his historic
1972 World Chess Championship match
against Boris Spassky. The film delves into
Fischer's genius, his eccentricities, and the
intense psychological pressures he faced during
the match.
5. "The Seventh Seal" (1957): Directed by Ingmar
Bergman, this Swedish film is a classic and
highly symbolic work. While not solely focused
on chess, the movie features a famous scene
where the main character plays a game of chess
against Death. The game serves as a metaphor
for the human struggle against mortality.

191
 CHAPTER 10 – Pawn
PROMOTION
Pawn promotion is a significant event in chess that
occurs when a pawn reaches the opposite side of the
board. Here are some additional details about pawn
promotion:

Options for promotion: When promoting a pawn,

players have the choice to promote it to a queen, rook,
bishop, or knight. The decision is usually based on the
position and the player's strategic goals.

Queen promotion: Promoting to a queen is the most

common choice since the queen is the most powerful
piece on the board. A queen offers versatility in both
attacking and defensive capabilities.

Rook promotion: Promoting to a rook can be beneficial

in certain situations, especially when additional rooks
are needed or when promoting to a rook creates a
tactical advantage.

192
Bishop promotion: Promoting to a bishop can be
advantageous for controlling specific diagonals on the
board, particularly if the player needs to reinforce or
open up lines for their other pieces.

Knight promotion: Promoting to a knight can be

strategically useful, as knights have unique movement
patterns and can create tactical threats that other pieces
cannot.

Notation for promotion: When recording pawn

promotion, the notation includes the destination square
followed by an equal sign (=) and the abbreviation for
the piece the pawn is promoted to. For example, "d8=Q"
signifies that a pawn on d7 reached the eighth rank and
was promoted to a queen on d8.

Simultaneous promotion: It is possible to promote

multiple pawns in a single move, resulting in the board
having more than one queen, rook, bishop, or knight of
the same colour.

193
Pawn promotion adds excitement and strategic depth to
the game, as it allows players to transform a humble
pawn into a more powerful piece, potentially altering
the dynamics of the position and leading to exciting
possibilities.

Promoting a pawn- It is a special move where when the

pawn gets to the last rank, it can turn in to any other
piece except a king.
 You almost always want to promote to a queen, the most
powerful piece.
in the below figure we can easily promote pawn to queen or any
other piece except king by reaching the opposite end.

194
Pawn promotion is an important strategic and legal move in the game
of chess that can help chess players earn a decisive victory over an
opponent.
Types of pawn promotion-
1. Queening
2. Under promotion
Queening: When a white or black pawn reaches its promotion square,
players can exchange it for a queen, the most powerful piece in a chess
game, of their respective colour. This type of promotion is known as
“queening.”

195
Under promotion: Players can also exchange promoted pawns for a
knight, bishop, or rook.
Example for under promotion

196
 Activity
1. Can the white pawn promoted itself in next move

197
2. Mark the pawn which can be promoted in 2 moves

198
3. White to play, Find checkmate in one move

199
4. Mark the pawn which can be promoted in 3
moves

200
5. White to play, promote any of pawn

201
6. White to play, avoid getting into a stalemate

202
7. White to play, try to gain a pieces

203
8. Black to play, Gain a piece

204
9. White to play, Avoid getting stale mate

205
10. White to play , gain rook

206
 Aspects of science related to
chess:
Chess is a complex board game that combines
elements of strategy, mathematics, psychology, and
logic. The science behind chess involves several key
areas of study, including cognitive psychology,
computational complexity, game theory, and
artificial intelligence. Here are some aspects of
science related to chess:

 Cognitive Psychology: Chess involves various

cognitive processes, such as memory, pattern
recognition, attention, and decision-making.
Players must analyze the position, consider
multiple moves, evaluate consequences, and
anticipate future moves. Research in cognitive
psychology has explored how chess players
develop expertise, improve their decision-
making skills, and utilize their mental resources
effectively.
 Computational Complexity: Chess is an example
of a game with a high level of computational
complexity. The number of possible chess
positions and moves is vast, with approximately

207
 10^40 legal positions and 10^120 possible
game variations. Researchers have studied the
computational complexity of chess to develop
algorithms and strategies for computer chess
programs.
 Game Theory: Chess is analyzed using concepts
from game theory, a branch of mathematics
that studies strategic decision-making. Game
theory helps in understanding optimal strategies
and outcomes in chess, considering factors like
perfect information, rationality, and the
interplay between players' decisions.
 Artificial Intelligence (AI): Chess has been a
significant area of research and development
for AI. The development of chess-playing
computer programs, such as IBM's Deep Blue
and more recently Google's AlphaZero, has
utilized various AI techniques like search
algorithms, evaluation functions, and machine
learning. AI has helped improve chess engines'
playing strength and has contributed to the
understanding of chess strategy.
 Psychology and Behavioral Sciences: Chess
involves psychological aspects, including
decision-making under uncertainty, risk
assessment, and psychological resilience.
Research in psychology and behavioral sciences
has explored the role of emotions, stress,
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 concentration, and other psychological factors
that influence chess performance and the ability
to handle pressure during competitive play.
 Education and Learning: Chess has been studied
as an educational tool, particularly in the field
of mathematics and problem-solving skills.
Researchers have investigated the impact of
chess on cognitive development, critical
thinking, and academic performance. Chess has
also been used to study learning theories, such
as deliberate practice and expertise
development.
 These are just a few examples of the scientific
aspects related to chess. The game continues to
be a fascinating subject for researchers,
contributing to our understanding of human
cognition, artificial intelligence, and decision-
making processes.

209
 CHAPTER 11 -CHECKING THE KING

In chess, there are several ways to check the opponent's

king. When a king is under attack by an opponent's
piece, it is said to be in check. The objective of the game
is to checkmate the opponent's king, which means to put
it in a position where it is in check and cannot escape
capture.

Here are a few ways to check the opponent's king:

Direct Attack: You can move one of your pieces (such as

a queen, rook, bishop, or knight) to a square that directly
attacks the opponent's king. The opponent's king will
then be in check and must be moved to a safe square on
the next move.

Discovery Attack: By moving one of your pieces, you can

reveal an attack on the opponent's king by another piece.
This is called a discovery attack. The opponent's king will
be in check, and they must respond accordingly.

210
Double Check: A double check occurs when two of your
pieces simultaneously attack the opponent's king. The
opponent's only legal move is to move their king because
they cannot block or capture the checking pieces.
Double checks are particularly powerful because the
opponent's king has limited options for escape.

It's important to note that the king cannot move into

check, which means a player cannot make a move that
places their own king under attack. If a player's king is
in check, they must respond to remove the threat in their
next move. Failure to do so results in checkmate, which
ends the game.

Remember, checking the opponent's king is just the first

step toward achieving checkmate. The ultimate goal is to
put the opponent's king in a position where it has no
legal moves to escape capture.

211
Checking the king is the main aim of the all the players,
and main aspect of playing chess

Rules of giving check to the king.

 The king is said to be in check if it is attacked
by one or more of opponent’s pieces.
 The check giving pieces are
Queen,Rook,Bishop,Knight and Pawn.
 The King cannot itself directly ‘Check’ the
opposite King.
 It is compulsory for the King in ‘Check’ to get
out of the same immediately
 It is illegal for player to make a move which
brings or leaves his King in ‘check’.

212
EXAMPLE 1
1. Find a check by white Knight.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Re7+

213
EXAMPLE 2
2. Find a check by black Bishop.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Qh4+

214
 Activity
1. Find a check by Black bishop.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1

215
2. Find a check by white rook.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1

216
3. Find a check by Black rook.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

217
4. Find a check by Black bishop.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

218
5. Find a check by Black knight.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

219
6. Find a check by white rook.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1

220
7. Find a check by Black queen.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1

221
8. Find a check by white rook.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1

222
9. Find a check by Black queen.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1

223
10. Find a check by White knight.

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
1 Gxh1=N#

224
 Movies About Chess
There are several movies that revolve around the
game of chess. Here are some notable examples:
 "Searching for Bobby Fischer" (1993): This film
is based on the true story of chess prodigy
Joshua Waitzkin and his journey to become a
grandmaster. It explores the pressures and
sacrifices involved in pursuing excellence in
chess.
 "The Luzhin Defence" (2000): Adapted from
Vladimir Nabokov's novel, this movie follows
the life of Alexander Luzhin, a brilliant but
mentally unstable chess player. It delves into
Luzhin's struggle with his personal demons and
his passion for the game.
 "Queen to Play" (2009): Set in Corsica, France,
this film tells the story of a hotel maid named
Hélène, who becomes fascinated by the game of
chess. With the help of a reclusive American
expat, she embarks on a journey to become a
skilled player.
 "Pawn Sacrifice" (2014): Starring Tobey
Maguire as Bobby Fischer, this movie focuses on
the legendary chess match between Fischer and
Soviet player Boris Spassky during the 1972

225
 World Chess Championship. It explores
Fischer's genius and his psychological struggles.
 "The Dark Horse" (2014): Based on the true
story of Genesis Potini, a New Zealand chess
player with bipolar disorder, this film
showcases his dedication to teaching chess to
disadvantaged children. It highlights the
transformative power of the game.
 "Magnus" (2016): This documentary follows the
life of Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess
prodigy who became the youngest World Chess
Champion in history. The film offers a glimpse
into Carlsen's rise to the top and his unique
approach to the game.
 "The Coldest Game" (2019): Set during the
Cuban Missile Crisis, this thriller features a
fictionalized account of a tense chess match
between an American mathematician (played
by Bill Pullman) and a Soviet grandmaster. The
game becomes a metaphor for the Cold War.

These movies provide a mix of fictional and real-life

stories that explore the intellectual and
psychological aspects of chess, showcasing the
game's competitive nature and its impact on the
lives of players.

226
 Chapter 12 – getting out of
‘Check’ by ‘move’

When your king is in check, you have three possible

ways to get out of check:

Move the King: The most straightforward way to get out

of check is to move your king to a safe square where it is
no longer under attack. You can move your king to any
adjacent square that is not under attack, as long as it
does not put your king in check again. This is called a
"king move." Keep in mind that you cannot move your
king into check or move it to a square that is attacked by
an opponent's piece.

Block the Check: If the piece checking your king is not a

knight or if the check is coming from a straight line
(such as from a rook, queen, or bishop), you can try to
block the check by placing another one of your pieces
between your king and the attacking piece. This is called
a "block" or "interposition." By doing so, you will protect
your king from the check.

227
Capture the Attacking Piece: If the attacking piece can be
captured safely, you can eliminate the threat by
capturing it with one of your pieces. This is a valid way
to get out of check, as capturing the attacking piece
removes the check. However, be cautious when
capturing because sometimes capturing the checking
piece may expose your king to a new check or put it in a
worse position.

Remember, when your king is in check, you must get out

of check on your next move. If you are unable to get out
of check, it will result in checkmate, and the game will
be over.

228
How to get out of Check there are three principle
methods of getting king out of check.
1. Move
2. Block
3. Capture

Move –
By using move principle we can move the king
to other square and avoid getting check

Here in the fig, we can

see that the Black king
moves at h8 for getting
out Of the check.

229
EXAMPLE 1
1. Find which square White King can move?

Kg2
230
EXAMPLE 2
2. Find which square White King can move?

Kh1
231
 Activity
1. Find which square White King can move?

232
2. Find which square white king can move?

233
3. Find which square White King can move?

234
4. Find which square White King can move?

235
5. Find which square Black King can move?

236
6. Find which square Black King can move?

237
7. Find which square White King can move?

238
8. Find which square Black King can move?

239
9. Find which square White King can move?

240
10. Find which square Black King can move?

241
Benefits of Playing chess:
Playing chess offers several benefits that extend beyond
the enjoyment of the game itself. Here are some key
benefits of playing chess:
10. Cognitive Development: Chess exercises and
enhances various cognitive skills, including critical
thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and
pattern recognition. The game requires players to
analyze positions, plan moves, anticipate
consequences, and make strategic decisions, thereby
improving their mental agility and intellectual
abilities.
11. Memory Improvement: Chess involves
memorizing opening lines, past games, and tactical
patterns. Regular chess practice can enhance both
short-term and long-term memory, as players learn
to recall moves, positions, and patterns from their
memory banks.
12. Concentration and Focus: Chess demands
intense concentration and focus as players must pay
attention to the board, evaluate different
possibilities, and maintain their mental stamina
throughout the game. Regular chess play can
improve attention span and concentration abilities,
which can be beneficial in various aspects of life.

242
13. Strategic Thinking and Planning: Chess is a
game of strategy and requires players to think
strategically, considering both short-term and long-
term goals. It helps develop skills in planning,
analyzing alternatives, evaluating risks, and
adapting to changing circumstances. These strategic
thinking abilities can be valuable in problem-
solving and decision-making in various real-life
situations.
14. Emotional and Psychological Benefits: Chess can
help improve emotional regulation and resilience. It
teaches players to manage frustration, handle
setbacks, and maintain composure in challenging
situations. It also promotes patience, perseverance,
and the ability to handle both victory and defeat
gracefully.
15. Creativity and Originality: Chess encourages
creative and original thinking. While the rules and
constraints of the game are fixed, players have
countless possibilities to explore and find unique
solutions. Chess stimulates the imagination and
nurtures the ability to think outside the box,
fostering creativity in problem-solving.
16. Social Interaction: Chess can be played with
friends, family, or in competitive settings, providing
opportunities for social interaction, communication,
and building relationships. It can be a shared

243
 interest that brings people together and facilitates
bonding and camaraderie.
17. Stress Relief and Relaxation: Engaging in chess
can provide a sense of relaxation and stress relief.
Immersing oneself in the game and focusing on the
intricate moves and strategies can be a form of
mental escape from everyday worries and pressures.
18. Life Skills and Character Development: Chess
teaches important life skills such as discipline,
sportsmanship, patience, perseverance, and the
ability to learn from mistakes. It instills values like
fair play, respect for opponents, and the importance
of hard work and continuous improvement.
These are just a few of the many benefits associated with
playing chess. Whether played casually or competitively,
chess offers a range of mental, emotional, and social
advantages that can positively impact various aspects of
life.

244
 Chapter 13 – getting out of
‘Check’ by ‘Block’

Block-
By using block principle we can avoid getting
check by the opponent’s piece by blocking its
movement towards the King.

In the fig, the black

king can avoid
getting check by
blocking the path by
its black Queen.

245
Example 1

Rd6

246
Example 2

Bb3

247
 Activity
1. Which piece can block the Check?

248
2. Which piece can block the Check?

249
3. Which piece can block the Check?

250
4. Which piece can block the Check?

251
5. Which piece can block the Check?

252
6. Which piece can block the Check?

253
7. Which piece can block the Check?

254
8. Which piece can block the Check?

255
9. Which piece can block the Check?

256
10. Which piece can block the Check?

257
 Chess in Indian Mythology

In Indian mythology, there is a fascinating story related

to the game of chess. It is known as the "Mahabharata"
and involves a significant incident known as the "Game
of Dice."
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics
of ancient India and tells the story of the Kurukshetra
War between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two sets of
cousins battling for the throne. The Game of Dice is a
critical event that eventually leads to the war.
In the story, the eldest Kaurava prince, Duryodhana,
invites the Pandava princes to a game of dice. The
Pandavas, led by their eldest brother Yudhishthira,
accept the invitation and participate in the game.
However, Duryodhana, aided by his cunning uncle
Shakuni, manipulates the game using loaded dice.
Yudhishthira, known for his unwavering honesty and
righteousness, continues to bet heavily and ultimately
loses everything, including his kingdom, wealth, and
even his brothers and wife, Draupadi. As a result of their
defeat, the Pandavas are exiled to the forests for thirteen
years, with an additional year of anonymity.

258
The Game of Dice symbolizes the destructive
consequences of gambling addiction, deceit, and the loss
of virtue. It serves as a turning point in the
Mahabharata, leading to various conflicts, including the
Kurukshetra War.
While the story of the Game of Dice doesn't directly
focus on the intricacies of chess, it highlights the power
of strategy, manipulation, and the consequences of
unethical behavior. It serves as a moral lesson and
emphasizes the importance of integrity, righteousness,
and the pursuit of truth in Indian mythology.

259
 Chapter 14 – getting out of
‘Check’ by ‘Capture’

Capture-
By using capture principle we can avoid
getting check by opponents’ piece By capturing
the piece which is checking the King.

Here in the fig the black

king is in check but
black bishop captures
the Rook which is
giving check to the
black king.

260
Example 1
1. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

Qxg5
261
Example 2
2. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

Qxe3
262
 Activity
1. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

263
2. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

264
3. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

265
4. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

266
5. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

267
6. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

268
7. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

269
8. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

270
9. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

271
10. Which piece can block the check write the notation?

272
 About Greatest Indian Chess Player –
Vishwanathan Anand
Certainly! Vishwanathan Anand is an Indian chess
grandmaster who is widely regarded as one of the
greatest chess players of all time. Here are some key facts
about Vishwanathan Anand:
Early Life and Career: Vishwanathan Anand was born on
December 11, 1969, in Chennai, India. He learned chess
at the age of six and quickly showed exceptional talent.
Anand became India's first grandmaster in 1988 at the
age of 18.
World Chess Champion: Anand has won the World
Chess Championship on five occasions. He first claimed
the title in 2000, defeating Alexei Shirov. Anand
successfully defended his title in 2008 against Vladimir
Kramnik and retained it until 2013 when he lost to
Magnus Carlsen. Anand remains the only player from
Asia to have become World Chess Champion.
Rapid and Blitz Chess: Anand is renowned for his
exceptional skills in rapid and blitz chess, which are
formats of the game with shorter time controls. He has
won numerous rapid and blitz tournaments, showcasing
his ability to think quickly and make accurate moves
under time pressure.

273
Chess Olympiad: Anand has represented India in
numerous Chess Olympiads, which are team
competitions held every two years. He has helped India
win multiple medals, including a gold medal in 2014
when he led the Indian team to victory.
Style and Strategy: Anand is known for his versatility and
ability to adapt his playing style to different opponents
and positions. He excels in both tactical complications
and strategic maneuvering, making him a formidable
opponent in all phases of the game.
Contributions to Chess: Anand has played a significant
role in popularizing chess in India and inspiring a new
generation of chess players. He has been an ambassador
for the game, conducting exhibitions, coaching young
players, and promoting chess at the grassroots level.
Awards and Honors: Anand has received numerous
accolades throughout his career, including the Padma
Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in
2008. He has been recognized globally for his
achievements and contributions to the game of chess.
Vishwanathan Anand's remarkable career and his
impact on the world of chess have solidified his status as
one of the greatest chess players in history, and he
continues to be an influential figure in the chess
community.
274
 Chapter 15 – Checkmate

Checkmate in chess is a situation where a player's king is

in a position to be captured (in "check"), and there is no
legal move that the player can make to remove the king
from check. In other words, the player's king is under
attack, and no other piece can block the attack, capture
the attacking piece, or move the king to a safe square.

When a checkmate occurs, it means the game is over,

and the player who has been checkmated loses the game.
Checkmate is the ultimate goal of the game, as it signifies
a successful attack on the opponent's king, resulting in
victory.

To checkmate your opponent in chess, you need to

strategically position your pieces to threaten the
opponent's king in such a way that they have no legal
moves to escape check. Here are some general strategies
and concepts to help you achieve checkmate:

275
Develop your pieces: In the opening phase of the game,
focus on developing your pieces (knights, bishops, rooks)
to active squares, controlling the center of the board, and
preparing for an attack.

King safety: Ensure the safety of your own king by

castling early, usually to the side where your king can
find better protection behind pawns and pieces.

Identify weak points: Look for weaknesses in your

opponent's position, such as undefended pieces, weak
squares, or exposed king positions. These vulnerabilities
can be exploited to launch an attack.

Piece coordination: Coordinate your pieces to work

together effectively. Combining the power of multiple
pieces can create threats that are difficult for your
opponent to defend against.

Tactical opportunities: Be on the lookout for tactical

opportunities, such as forks, pins, skewers, and
discovered attacks. These tactics can lead to material
gain or weaken your opponent's defenses.

276
Restrict the king's movement: Cut off escape squares for
your opponent's king by controlling key squares around
it. This limits their options and makes it easier to deliver
a checkmate.

Sacrifices: Sometimes, sacrificing material (exchanging

pieces or even sacrificing a queen) can open up lines of
attack against the opponent's king and lead to a decisive
checkmate.

Endgame techniques: In the endgame, when there are

fewer pieces on the board, learn basic checkmating
patterns like the "king and queen versus king" or the
"king and rook versus king." These patterns will help you
deliver checkmate with the remaining pieces.

Remember, checkmate can occur in various ways

depending on the specific position and piece
configuration. It requires strategic planning, tactical
awareness, and careful execution of your plan.
Analyzing and studying master games can also enhance
your understanding of checkmating patterns and
techniues.

277
Example 1
1. Find a checkmate with bishop

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
21 Bh6#

278
Example 2
2. Find a checkmate with Rook

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO
21 Bh6#

279
 Activity

1. Find a checkmate with Bishop

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

280
2. Find a checkmate with Knight

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

281
3. Find a checkmate with Queen

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

282
4. Find a checkmate with Queen

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

283
5. Find a checkmate with Queen

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

284
6. Find a checkmate with pawn

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

285
7. Find a checkmate with Rook

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

286
8. Find a checkmate with Queen

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

287
9. Find a checkmate with Rook

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

288
10. Find a checkmate with Queen

MOVE
WHITE BLACK
NO

289
 Youngest Chess Master of India

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, commonly known as

Praggnanandhaa, is a talented chess player from India.
He was born on August 10, 2005, in Chennai, India.
Praggnanandhaa gained international recognition for his
exceptional chess skills at a very young age.

Praggnanandhaa's chess journey began when he started

playing the game at the age of five. In 2013, at the age of
seven, he won the World Under-8 Chess Championship,
showcasing his incredible potential.

In 2016, Praggnanandhaa achieved the title of

International Master (IM) at the age of 10 years and 10
months, becoming the youngest IM in chess history at
that time. He broke the previous record held by the
Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin.

On June 23, 2018, at the age of 12 years, 10 months,

and 13 days, Praggnanandhaa earned the title of
Grandmaster (GM), making him the second-youngest

290
person to achieve this prestigious title. The youngest
grandmaster in history remains Sergey Karjakin.

Praggnanandhaa's accomplishments and potential have

garnered attention from the chess world, and he
continues to participate in high-level tournaments,
striving to further develop his skills and make his mark
in the chess world.

291
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