What is the standard chessboard size in tournament play (in terms of rows and columns)?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer: 8×8.
Explanation –
Chess is an ancient game believed to have originated in India (as Chaturanga). A standard chessboard, as used in tournament-level play, consists of a total of 64 squares arranged in an 8×8 grid of 8 rows and 8 columns. These squares alternate in color between dark (black/brown) and light (white/cream). In chess, the rows are referred to as 'ranks' numbered from 1 to 8 while the columns are called 'files' designated by letters from 'a' to 'h'. According to the rules of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), the board must be positioned such that the square in the right-hand corner of each player is of a 'light' (white) color.
Additional Points –
Pieces: Each player possesses 16 pieces (1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Rooks, 2 Knights, 2 Bishops, and 8 Pawns).
Other Options: A 10×10 board is used in the game of 'Draughts' (Checkers) or in certain international variations of the game.
India's Viswanathan Anand is the first Indian Grandmaster in chess and a five-time World Champion.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers –
Question: What are the horizontal rows of a chessboard called?
Answer: Ranks.
Question: What is the name of the global governing body for chess?
Answer: FIDE.