Chessboard

A square consisting of 64 squares of equal size, alternately light and dark, 8 on each side. The light squares are called white squares, the dark ones black.

The chessboard is placed so that a white corner square is on the right of the player. Each square has a designation used for recording the moves of a game or a particular position (see Chess Notation).

Three types of rows of squares are distinguished: files, ranks, and diagonals.

Files

Straight rows of squares running vertically.

Ranks

Straight rows of squares running horizontally.

Diagonals

Rows of squares of the same color running along a slanted line.

The diagonals a1-h8 and h1-a8 are called the main diagonals.

Flanks

The files "a"-"d" form the queenside; "e"-"h" form the kingside.

Center

The squares d4-d5-e5-e4 are called the central squares, or the center.

Sometimes (as opposed to the "small" center) one speaks of the "extended" center, meaning the square bounded by the squares c3, c6, f3, and f6.