WELCOME TO THE GAME!
Thank you for choosing the Ludoore Chess Set — we’re honored to be part of your collection and your next great game night. Whether you’re brand new to chess or just need a quick refresher, this guide was created to help you feel confident and ready to play. Below, you’ll find the essentials broken into three simple sections:
Meet the Pieces – Get to know each chess piece and what it can do.
How to Play – Learn the basic rules and setup to start your first game.
How to Win – Understand check, checkmate, and what it takes to claim victory.
MEET THE PIECES
PAWN
The smallest piece on the board, but never to be underestimated. Pawns move forward one square at a time—but on their first move, they can advance two. They capture diagonally and have the potential to become any other piece if they reach the opposite end of the board. Every game begins with the pawns — and sometimes, they finish it too.
ROOK
The rook is a powerhouse. It moves in straight lines — forward, backward, and side to side — across any number of squares. It’s especially strong when paired with the king for a special move called castling. Control the board’s edges, and you control the game.
BISHOP
Bishops glide diagonally across the board, as far as they can go. Each one stays on the color it started on — one white, one black. Together, they create strong, sweeping lines of control. In the right hands, bishops are quiet game changers.
KNIGHT
The knight is the only piece that can leap over others. It moves in an “L” shape: two squares in one direction, then one to the side. With its curved movement, it’s perfect for sneak attacks and surprising your opponent. Watch closely — knights don’t always come head-on.
QUEEN
The queen is the most powerful piece on the board, combining the strength of the rook and bishop. She can move in any straight line — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — for any distance. Keep her protected, and she can command the board.
KING
The king is the heart of the game. He moves one square in any direction and must be protected at all costs. If the king is threatened and can’t escape, that’s checkmate — and the game is over. Every move you make should keep one goal in mind: protect your king, and go after theirs.
HOW TO PLAY
SETTING THE BOARD
Place the board so a white square is in each player’s bottom-right corner. Arrange the pieces: rooks on corners, then knights, bishops, queen on her color, king beside her, and pawns in front.
WHITE STARTS FIRST
The player using the white pieces makes the first move. Players then take turns, each making one move at a time. A good opening helps you control the board early and set up strong defenses.
UNDERSTAND MOVEMENT
Each piece moves a specific way. Rooks go straight, bishops go diagonal, knights leap in “L” shapes, pawns move forward, the queen combines all moves, and the king moves just one square in any direction.
CAPTURE OPPONENTS
To capture, move your piece onto a square occupied by your opponent. That piece is removed from the board. Pawns capture diagonally. Capturing pieces helps you gain control of the game.
DEFEND THE KING
If your king is threatened, it’s in “check.” You must respond by moving the king, blocking the threat, or capturing the attacking piece. Keeping your king protected is the key to staying in the game.
CHECKMATE TO WIN
The goal is to trap your opponent’s king so it can’t escape check. When the king can’t move or be protected, it’s checkmate—and the game ends. Plan each move with this final goal in mind.
HOW TO WIN!
PROTECT YOUR KING
Your king is the most important piece. If he’s captured, the game ends. Every decision should keep him safe—build strong defenses and never leave him exposed on an open board.
CONTROL THE CENTER
The middle of the board gives you the most power. Placing your pieces there lets you move in all directions and makes it harder for your opponent to take control of the game.
THINK AHEAD
Chess is about foresight. Try to plan your moves three steps in advance. Always ask yourself, “If I do this, what will they do next?” Predicting patterns leads to stronger plays.
UPGRADE YOUR PAWNS
If one of your pawns reaches the opposite side of the board, you can trade it in for a queen, rook, bishop, or knight—usually a queen. This is called promotion, and it can completely shift the game in your favor.
WATCH FOR CHECKMATE
Checkmate happens when the opposing king is under attack and has no legal move to escape. Look for these opportunities by using multiple pieces to cover all possible exits.
DON’T RUSH TRADES
Just because you can take a piece doesn’t mean you should. Only trade when it gives you a better position, opens up the board, or removes a key threat. Every trade should serve a purpose.
AVOID TRAPS
Sometimes a piece is left undefended on purpose to lure you in. Before making any “easy” captures, check what your opponent gains from the trade. Think before you take the bait.
USE ALL YOUR PIECES
Bring everyone into the game. If a piece hasn’t moved, it’s not helping. Develop your whole army early so you have more options later. An active board gives you better control.
FINISH WITH PURPOSE
Once your opponent’s defenses are down, go for the win. Don’t hesitate or get distracted. Stay focused, find checkmate, and close out the game with smart, intentional moves.