Ever since the Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit" in 2020, chess has experienced a renaissance as a trend sport that goes far beyond the board. Once considered elitist, chess has developed into a fascinating cognitive workout for everyone. Thanks to popular series and online platforms, more and more people are discovering the intellectual challenge and fun of the royal game. With his victory at the 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore, Dommaraju Gukesh proved that chess knows no age: the 18-year-old is the youngest world champion of all time! In our story, you'll learn more about the basics of chess, the rules for setting up and for the individual pieces, tips for chess beginners, advanced players, and more.

The Basics of Chess

There is hardly any other game where the phrase “ easy to learn, hard to master ” applies as much as chess. But don’t worry, even perhaps the best chess player of all time, Magnus Carlsen, didn’t just fall from the sky! As with all sports and games, you start with the basics. From the board layout to the starting chess position: here you will find all the rules of chess, explained simply!

Playing field : A chessboard consists of 64 squares in alternating light and dark colors (usually black and white).

Figures : Each player has 16 figures:

• 1 king (most important piece)
• 1 queen (strongest piece)
• 2 towers
• 2 runners
• 2 jumpers
• 8 pawns

Basic rules of chess :

• White always makes the first move.
• The playing field is placed so that the bottom right corner in front of each player is white
• The queens are placed on squares of their own color (white queen on white square, black queen on black square).
• Structure of the chess pieces ( from left to right ):
  • First row : rook, knight, bishop, queen, king, bishop, knight, rook. The white queen is on the white square ( d1 ), the black queen on the black square ( d8 ).
  • Second row : Eight pawns

• Players must take turns
• A piece cannot move to a square that is already occupied by one of its own pieces.
• If a piece moves to a square occupied by the opponent, the opponent's piece is captured and removed from the board.

Figure movements :

• King : One square in each direction
• Queen : Any number of squares horizontally, vertically, diagonally
• Tower : Any number of fields horizontally or vertically
• Bishop : Any number of squares diagonally
• Knight : In L-shape (two squares straight and one to the side or one square straight and two to the side)
• Pawn : One square forward, optionally two squares on the first move

Special moves and special rules in chess :

• Castling : special move of king and rook to protect the king
• En Passant : Special attack option for pawns
• Remis : Draw, e.g. by stalemate or agreement

Check and Checkmate :

• Chess : The king is threatened and must be removed from the threat in the next move
• Checkmate : The king is in check and can no longer be removed from the threat – the game is over

Goal : To checkmate the opponent's king

The best thing about playing chess is that it is for everyone – young or old, man or woman.

The Cognitive Benefits of Chess

Learning to play chess is a good idea for many reasons. One of the most important advantages is that when you play chess, you train your cognitive skills . And that is worthwhile for beginners and advanced players, young and old chess players.

promoting problem-solving skills

Chess trains your brain to analyze complex situations and develop strategic solutions . This ability transfers to your everyday life and your professional life, where creative thinking and forward-looking planning are always required.

improving concentration

Chess players learn to focus their attention for longer periods of time – and often plan chess moves in advance. Studies show that playing chess regularly significantly increases the ability to concentrate – a valuable skill in our distraction-filled world.

memory training

Playing chess challenges both your short- and long-term memory. Chess players develop the ability to remember complex positions and sequences of moves, which leads to an overall improvement in memory performance. Especially for chess tournaments, the more you remember, the better your chances.

Chess as a tool for critical thinking

Chess trains your analytical skills and thus your ability to make well-founded decisions . This skill is invaluable in a complex world that is constantly affected by massive changes. As a chess player, you learn to weigh up risks and find creative solutions with your chess strategy - skills that can be transferred to any situation in life.

Emotional Intelligence and Social Aspects

Even though some chess grandmasters may seem quite eccentric, chess brings people together and teaches children a lot.

Dealing with Victory and Defeat

Chess is a (mental) sport that teaches us resilience and emotional control . Every game offers the chance to learn from mistakes and grow personally. These experiences strengthen your emotional intelligence and help you to deal with challenges in life outside of the chessboard more calmly.

promoting social skills

The game promotes fair play , respect and empathy . It connects people of different generations and cultures, creates community and promotes intercultural exchange. Chess is a universal language that builds bridges.

Chess in the Digital Age

Online platforms have made chess accessible to a wider audience. As a beginner, you can learn chess online from the comfort of your own home, while advanced players can take part in virtual tournaments. And of course, beginners and professionals can also play chess against the computer here. Digitalization has made chess a global phenomenon that can be played around the clock. Here are three chess platforms that offer you a lot on the subject of chess and are also recommended by the German Chess Federation:

Chess.com

Chess.com is the world's largest and most popular chess platform with over 100 million registered users. It offers numerous features, including:

• Different game modes
• tactics trainers, lessons and game analyses
• Regular tournaments and events
• An active community and live games from top players

Lichess.org

Lichess is a free, ad-free, open-source platform that stands out for its simplicity and ease of use. It offers:

• All classic chess variants
• game analyses and tactical tasks
• Regular tournaments such as the "Titled Arena"

ChessFriends .com

One of the most successful chess platforms in the world with a clear interface and its own app:

• Live broadcasts of professional tournaments with commentary
• chess courses and training materials
• Different game modes and time formats

Chess as Prevention for Mental Fitness

Regularly playing chess keeps your brain fit and active. It promotes the formation of new neural connections and can help maintain your cognitive performance into old age. Chess can also serve as a form of meditation that reduces stress and helps with mental relaxation .

Your Path to Becoming a Chess Professional

Whether you're a beginner or want to improve your game, whether you want to score some points at the next chess tournament or win at the next World Chess Championship, there are many ways to develop your chess skills.

For beginners:

• Start with online tutorials for basic rules and simple strategies
• Use chess apps and websites for interactive lessons
• Play against computer opponents to gain initial experience

For all skill levels:

• Solve tactical tasks daily (15-20 minutes can make a big difference)
• Play regularly against different opponents:
  • In public chess courts in parks
  • At local chess clubs
  • At chess meetings in cafes or community centers

• Analyze your chess games to learn from mistakes and develop strengths
• Study Grandmaster games for advanced strategies

For advanced learners:

• Participate in tournaments (on-site or online)
• Exchange ideas with experienced players

Whether it's tournament chess or a casual game, the key to success in chess is continuous practice and the right attitude. Every game is a chance to improve and expand your skills.

By the way: With Dextro Energy* you get the perfect support for your chess training and exciting tournament games. Whether dice , Energy Gums* or Focus Gummies° : supply your brain with fast carbohydrates, important minerals and more so that you can always deliver with full focus .

Why you should play chess

Chess is more than a game - it is a tool for personal development . It promotes your cognitive abilities , emotional intelligence and social skills. Whether for relaxation or as an intellectual challenge : chess has something for everyone. Grab the chessboard and discover how this fascinating game can enrich your life.

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* contains carbohydrates

° Vitamins C, B6 and B12 each contribute to normal psychological function, normal energy metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.