1.
How many squares are there on a chess board?
Correct Answer
D. 64
Explanation
There are 64 squares on a chess board because a chess board is an 8x8 grid, with each square representing one unit. Therefore, the total number of squares is calculated by multiplying the number of rows (8) by the number of columns (8), which equals 64.
2.
At the beginning of the game, how many pawns does each player have?
Correct Answer
A. 8
Explanation
At the beginning of the game, each player has 8 pawns. This is the standard setup in chess, where each player starts with 8 pawns placed on the second rank of the board. Pawns are the most numerous and least powerful pieces in chess, and they play a crucial role in controlling the center of the board and supporting the other pieces.
3.
What two colors are used to refer to the opponents in a chess game?
Correct Answer
B. Black & White
Explanation
In a chess game, the two colors used to refer to the opponents are black and white. This is because the chessboard is typically made up of alternating black and white squares, and the chess pieces are traditionally either black or white. The black and white colors help to differentiate between the two sides and make it easier for players to identify and move their pieces.
4.
In addition to checkmate, what is another way to win a chess game?
Correct Answer
A. Voluntary Resignation
Explanation
Voluntary resignation is another way to win a chess game because it occurs when a player, realizing that they have no viable moves left or are in an inferior position, decides to concede the game and declare their opponent as the winner. This is a common practice in chess when a player believes that continuing the game would be futile or time-consuming. By voluntarily resigning, the player acknowledges their opponent's superiority and ends the game in their favor.
5.
What is the middle portion of a chess game called?
Correct Answer
C. Middlegame
Explanation
The middle portion of a chess game is called the Middlegame. This phase occurs after the opening moves and before the endgame. It is a critical stage where players develop their pieces, control the center of the board, and strategize their attacks and defenses. The Middlegame is characterized by complex positions, tactical maneuvers, and the potential for significant material and positional changes. It is a crucial phase where players aim to gain an advantage and set the stage for the final phase of the game.
6.
What piece is the Bishop allowed to leap over during a move?
Correct Answer
D. None
Explanation
The Bishop is not allowed to leap over any piece during a move. The Bishop can only move diagonally on the board, but it cannot jump over any other pieces in its path. It can only move to an empty square or capture an opponent's piece by replacing it on its square. Therefore, the correct answer is None.
7.
How many squares can the Bishop move diagonally?
Correct Answer
D. Any Number
Explanation
A Bishop can move diagonally in any direction on the chessboard. There are no restrictions on the number of squares it can move in a diagonal direction. Therefore, the correct answer is "Any Number".
8.
What piece is involved with the King in the Castling move?
Correct Answer
D. Rook
Explanation
In the Castling move, the King is involved with the Rook. Castling is a special move in chess where the King moves two squares towards the Rook, and the Rook moves to the square next to the King. This move is used to improve the King's safety by moving it towards the corner and activating the Rook at the same time. The Bishop, Queen, and Knight are not directly involved in the Castling move.
9.
What determines which player moves first in a Chess game?
Correct Answer
B. White Always Moves First
Explanation
In a game of Chess, the player who moves first is always the one playing with the white pieces. This tradition has been followed for centuries. The reason behind this is to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for both players. By having a consistent rule where white always moves first, it eliminates any potential advantage or bias that could arise from determining the first move based on external factors such as a coin toss or player ranking. This rule is universally accepted and followed in Chess tournaments and casual games alike.
10.
Who broke the record for the highest ever Elo rating in January 2013?
Correct Answer
A. Magnus Carlsen
Explanation
Magnus Carlsen broke the record for the highest ever Elo rating in January 2013. The Elo rating system is a method used to calculate the relative skill levels of players in chess. Carlsen, a Norwegian chess grandmaster, achieved a rating of 2861, surpassing the previous record held by Garry Kasparov. Carlsen's exceptional performance and strategic abilities in chess led to his record-breaking accomplishment in January 2013.
11.
Which chess-playing computer developed by IBM defeated Garry Kasparov in 1997?
Correct Answer
C. Deep Blue
Explanation
Deep Blue is the correct answer because it is the chess-playing computer developed by IBM that defeated Garry Kasparov in 1997. Deep Blue was a significant milestone in the development of artificial intelligence in chess and its victory against Kasparov marked a historic moment in the field.
12.
What type of move consists of moving the king two squares along the first rank toward a rook?
Correct Answer
D. Castling
Explanation
Castling is a move in chess where the king moves two squares towards a rook on the first rank. It is a special move that allows the king to quickly find safety by moving to a more protected position. This move is unique because it involves both the king and the rook, and it can only be done under certain conditions, such as the king not being in check and neither the king nor the rook having moved previously. Castling is an important strategic move in the game and is often used to improve the king's safety and activate the rook.
13.
What title is awarded to strong chess players by the world chess organization FIDE?
Correct Answer
A. Grandmaster
Explanation
The title awarded to strong chess players by the world chess organization FIDE is Grandmaster. This title is the highest accolade in chess and is given to players who have achieved exceptional skill and expertise in the game. It is a recognition of their mastery and is highly prestigious in the chess community.
14.
Which chess piece moves straight forward but captures diagonally?
Correct Answer
D. Pawn
Explanation
The correct answer is Pawn because it is the only chess piece that moves straight forward but captures diagonally. The pawn moves forward one square at a time, but when capturing an opponent's piece, it moves diagonally one square forward. The other pieces mentioned in the options, such as the knight, rook, and bishop, have different movement patterns and do not capture diagonally while moving straight forward.
15.
What was the name of the first chess-playing machine?
Correct Answer
C. The Turk
Explanation
The correct answer is The Turk. The Turk was a chess-playing machine created in the 18th century. It was designed to appear as an automaton, but it was actually operated by a human chess master hidden inside. The machine gained fame and played against many notable figures of the time, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Benjamin Franklin. Despite its deceptive nature, The Turk was an impressive invention that captured the imagination of people during that era.