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Step 1
Look for the tallest piece on the board. This is usually the King. He can be recognized by his height and by the combination of a cross and crown on his head.
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Step 2
Watch for the second-tallest piece on the board. This is usually the Queen. She can usually be recognized by her height which is exceeded only by the King, and by the many-pointed crown called a coronet on her head.
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Step 3
Find the shortest pieces on the board. These are the Pawns, representing the lowly foot soldier, expendable, but occasionally useful. Besides their height, the best way to recognize pawns is to note that there are eight of them per side.
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Step 4
Search for a piece shaped like a horse's head, or in some sets by an armor-clad warrior sitting on a horse. The Knight represents the noble warrior, the professional mounted soldier.
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Step 5
Identify the Bishop, a piece in the shape of a pointed hat, or in some sets of a person wearing a pointed hat. The Bishop represents the influence of the Church in medieval society.
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Step 6
Recognize the Rook by looking for a piece whose top reminds you of a castle's parapet. The Rook is the only piece in chess that doesn't represent a person. Instead, the Rook represents the safety and power of the castle.












Comments
lazydaisy said
on 8/31/2008 We have a Supercast Chinese set and are unable to determine which pieces are which. We can identify the Queen and the pawns only. One piece has a hat and a scroll, another a top knot and a sword, another has a carved stick and the last has what looks like mickey mouse ears and is holding two tiny bats? Any help appreciated!
lazydaisy said
on 8/31/2008 We have a Supercast Chinese set and are unable to determine which pieces are which. We can identify the Queen and the pawns only. One piece has a hat and a scroll, another a top knot and a sword, another has a carved stick and the last has what looks like mickey mouse ears and is holding two tiny bats? Any help appreciated!