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Math / Chess / Grade 2 / mj2c2

Read Chess Square Addresses

Use one letter and one number to name an exact square.

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A file is a column labeled a through h. A rank is a row labeled 1 through 8. Name the file first and the rank second. The names stay fixed when you turn the board around.

Worked example

The white pawn in file e and rank 2 is on e2. Its address names the square, not the type of piece. If that pawn moves to e4, its file stays e and its rank changes to 4.

Standard starting board with files a-h along the bottom and ranks 1-8 along the side. Highlighted e2 holds a white pawn, g1 a white knight and a8 a black rook.
Read the letter first, then the number. Turning the board does not rename a square.

Find the Starting Squares

Use the starting board shown. White pawns are on a2 through h2. White knights start on b1 and g1, the king on e1 and the queen on d1. Black rooks start on a8 and h8. Every file crosses every rank at exactly one square. Say the address before pointing to a piece.

Question 1 What is the address of the square in file e and rank 2?
Question 2 Which starting piece occupies g1?
Question 3 Which square holds the black rook on the a-file?
Question 4 A white pawn moves from e2 to e4. How many ranks forward did it travel?
Question 5 How many squares are in file c?