Virtual Kasparov
FAQ/Walkthrough
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Disclaimer
1.3 Legality and Copyright Info
2.0 Story Mode
2.1 Story Mode Info
2.2 Africa
2.2.1 Mohamed Djarbi
2.2.2 Omolola Assoumou
2.2.3 Sandro Mvouaza
2.2.4 Envuza Mbemba
2.2.5 Tanor Bengo (Master)
2.2.6 Ibrahim Saradjal (Grandmaster)
2.3 The Americas
2.3.1 Liliana Saso
2.3.2 Juan Benito Sanchez
2.3.3 Ronald Anderson
2.3.4 Thomas Sylvester
2.3.5 Fabienne Parson (Master)
2.3.6 Manuel Carlos Farias (Grandmaster)
2.4 Europe
2.4.1 Dominique Baillot
2.4.2 Juanita Martinez
2.4.3 Stylianos Padapopoulous
2.4.4 Giovanni Rappacio
2.4.5 Conrad Mac Caan (Master)
2.4.6 Friedrich Lindermann (Grandmaster)
2.5 Southeast Asia
2.5.1 Yiu Wong
2.5.2 Manoj Radjalou
2.5.3 Janlaviin Myagbatar
2.5.4 Nakorn Kathapappisit
2.5.5 Masakazu Hojo (Master)
2.5.6 Tenzin Gyatso (Grandmaster)
2.6 Russia
2.6.1 Dmitri Vasilov
2.6.2 Stradd Dragoscu
2.6.3 Vicktor Kirov
2.6.4 Igor Grouketzky
2.6.5 Saskaya Leskopov (Master)
2.6.6 Sergei Bakosky (Grandmaster)
2.6.7 Garry Kasparov (World Champion)
3.0 Special Moves
3.1 Castling
3.2 Pawn Promotion
3.3 En Passant
4.0 Special Thanks
4.1 Corrections
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.0 Introduction
Let me start by saying that I am by no means a great chess player. I consider
myself to be fair, and I am looking forward to this game helping to develop my
skills. So this FAQ is written as I am playing through the game, and I really
hope that my game will improve enough to beat the great Kasparov himself.
1.1 Introduction
Virtual Kasparov is a game for Game Boy Advance, manufactured by Titus, a
company based in France. It came out in February 2002, and is very affordable.
You can most likely find it for under $20.00 and probably under $15.00 because
of its age. I am updating this FAQ now (January 2005) and the price probably
has dropped below $10.00. This game is a great bargain!
1.2 Disclaimer
The number one thing that belongs in this disclaimer is this: In no way do I
claim to be a chess master! In fact, before I played this game, I would only
consider myself to be "average." I'm hoping this game will help me improve.
I'm sure that's what my mom was thinking when she got this for me for
Christmas. What a Christmas present, huh? But she also got me Final Fantasy
Tactics: Advance, and that's what I played first. When I finished that, THEN
I picked this game up.
1.3 Legality and Copyright Info
This FAQ is written by me, Eric Reiman, and is meant only for distribution on
GameFaqs.com, because they rock, and I don't like the other sites. If any
part of my FAQ is requested for use anywhere else, that party must e-mail me
at
[email protected] to ask for permission. Note that I have never given
permission for any other site to host any of my many FAQs.
2.0 Story Mode
Virtual Kasparov has a Story Mode, which is the meat and potatoes of the game.
It is also what gives this game such a good replay value. (What a concept!
Story Mode for chess players!)
2.1 Story Mode Info
2.2 Africa
Requirements: None
2.2.1 Mohamed Djarbi
Requirements: None
Bio:
Mohamed was born on July 6, 1970. An amateur payer, Mohamed has a passive
playing style. he tends to wait for his opponent to take the initiative
before attacking. His poor knowledge of chess makes him a weak opponent.
Playing Style: Passive
Personal thoughts:
A cakewalk. For players who are new to chess, Mohamed is a good player to
start out with. Because he sometimes makes mistakes, it is a good chance
for a new player to learn the ins and outs of the game.
2.2.2 Omolola Assoumou
Requirements: None
Bio:
Born on April 17, 1971, Omolola is an energetic young woman who has recently
learned to play chess. Although she is still making her first steps as a
chess player, she knows that with each game she will learn something new about
chess and that she will one day reach a good level.
Playing Style: Passive
Personal thoughts:
Something about her picture made me nervous when I started to play her, but
that's the only thing intimidating about her. She is unsure of herself and
retreats when attacked. So here, your best defense is to attack! Not a
challenging player.
2.2.3 Sandro Mvouaza
Requirements: None
Bio:
Born on November 22, 1976, Sandro is a young player who, unlike his friends,
chose to play chess rather than football. His style of playing chess remains
immature and he has not yet formed a good sense of strategy. However, he
stands a good chance of becoming an excellent chess player in the future.
Playing Style: Immature/Unsure
Personal thoughts:
About as difficult as Omolola. While the Bio says he is immature, he makes a
smart move here and there. It shouldn't require more than a few games to
defeat him.
2.2.4 Envuza Mbemba
Requirements: None
Bio:
Born on December 12, 1967, Envuza has an aggressive approach to playing chess.
He attacks as much as he can and uses all his pieces to overwhelm his
opponents. However, this technique sometimes leads him to make fatal
mistakes.
Playing Style: Aggressive
Personal thoughts:
Take note of the playing style: aggressive. Since he is the last player
before reaching the master of Africa, it makes sense that he is tougher than
the other three. I still beat him in one shot though.
2.2.5 Tanor Bengo (Master)
Requirements: Defeat first four players in Africa
Bio:
Born on May 23, 1950, Tanor is a talented reggae musician. But, despite his
placid tastes in music, his style of playing chess is quite the opposite.
However, Tanor's mind can sometimes wander away from the game at hand and he
is prone to making the odd blunder. His motto: "The best defense is to
attack."
Playing Style: Agressive
Personal thoughts:
I beat him on my first try. He made several mistakes, many more than I think
is acceptable for a "master". Shouldn't be too hard for anyone with good
skills to defeat.
2.2.6 Ibrahim Saradjal (Grandmaster)
Requirements: Defeat all five Masters, one from each continent (Tanor,
Fabienne, Conrad, Mazakuza, Saskaya)
Bio:
Ibrahim is an archeologist and was born on January 25, 1960. When not
absorbed in studying ancient history, he spends his time playing chess.
Ibrahim wants to achieve his aims as simply as possible. His motto: "Only
mountains never meet."
Playing Style: Dominant/Simple
Personal thoughts:
This guy took me a very long time to beat. He was my third Grandmaster
victory. My strategy was basically not to do anything stupid. I outplayed
him to gain a piece advantage, and then started sacrificing tit for tat until
I was the only one with a major piece. Pawn promotion, and then mate.
2.3 The Americas
Requirements: None
2.3.1 Liliana Saso
Requirements: None
Bio:
Liliana was born on September 28, 1969. A housewife with two children,
Liliana has found chess to an extremely absorbing hobby. However, as she is
constantly being interrupted by her kids, her attention often wavers and she
freqently slips up. She tends to wait for her opponent to attack rather than
take the initiative of the game.
Playing Style: Passive
Personal thoughts:
Easy. Her kids must interrupt her a whole lot!
2.3.2 Juan Benito Sanchez
Requirements: None
Bio:
Born on December 18, 1966, Juan Benito is fond of playing long games. As a
passive player he allows his opponents to develop their strategy on the board
before trying to counter-attack. His passivity makes him quite a weak player.
Playing Style: Passive
Personal thoughts:
For someone who is fond of playing long games, Juan Benito sure doesn't last
very long. I checkmated him very early (about 20 moves in).
2.3.3 Ronald Anderson
Requirements: None
Bio:
Born on August 20, 1970, Ronald started playing chess fairly recently. In
general he finds the game too slow for his tastes. He plays quickly and hits
hard, forcing his opponent into making a rapid and decisive response.
Playing Style: Aggressive
Personal thoughts:
Ronald is the first player that beat me. Up until this time, the computer
makes some silly mistakes, but with Ronald's aggressive style, he caught me off
guard. Not too hard of a player, just pay attention whenever it looks as if he
is formulating an attack.
2.3.4 Thomas Sylvester
Requirements: None
Bio:
Thomas was born on October 10, 1972. Althouh he is still a beginner, Thomas
compensates for his inexperience by using all his pieces to attack early in
the game. He often tries to scare his opponents into making a mistake, but
his numerous errors often cost him the game.
Playing Style: Aggressive
Personal thoughts:
I beat him on my first try. He made a mistake early, allowing me to take his
bishop. With this piece advantage, I achieved a checkmate fairly easily.
Thomas is not good at recovering from mistakes.
2.3.5 Fabienne Parson (Master)
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in The Americas
Bio:
Fabienne was born on March 1, 1968. As an eminent lawyer, she defends her
clients in the same way as she plays chess. Starting off with a solid
opening, she maintains her position and then traps her opponents before using
their own errors to defeat them.
Playing Style: Defensive/Patient
Personal thoughts:
Ah, Fabienne. She was the last Master that I defeated. She is a good
defensive player. She castles almost every game, and always very early. It
was very hard for me to get an advantage, because she does not make mistakes.
To beat Fabienne, you have to outplay her.
2.3.6 Manuel Carlos Farias (Grandmaster)
Requirements: Defeat all five Masters, one from each continent (Tanor,
Fabienne, Conrad, Mazakuza, Saskaya)
Bio:
Manuel Carlos was born on March 21, 1981. His parents enrolled him with a
chess club at an early age to help focus some of their child's excess energy.
He has developed an agressive but reasoned style of playing that leaves his
opponents with few alternatives. His motto: "Abandon hope, all ye who dare
confront me."
Playing Style: Agressive
Personal thoughts:
Ah, my first Grandmaster victory! Before I could reasonably challenge the
Grandmasters, I had to go through the tutorials in order to learn some of the
finer points of the game. This is what I suggest for anyone having trouble
confronting the Grandmasters. Manuel Carlos was #1 for me. I'll keep you
posted on the others.
2.4 Europe
Requirements: Defeat first four players in Africa
2.4.1 Dominique Baillot
Requirements: Defeat first four players in Africa
Bio:
Dominique was born on January 14, 1976. As a student of Art History, she has
found in chess a way of escaping the worlds of imagination and creation.
Without being an exceptional player, Dominique intimidates her opponents with
her strong opening moves.
Playing Style: Aggressive
Personal thoughts:
I found Dominique to be very challenging. I think at this point the game stops
making any sort of obvious errors, which is something that helps alot in the
earlier matches. It took me several tries to beat her, because her attacking
personality can be difficult to counter. Be very careful when playing her.
2.4.2 Juanita Martinez
Requirements: Defeat first four players in Africa
Bio:
Born on April 8, 1959, Juanita is a truck driver. She was introduced to chess
at a highway service station and she now dreams of becoming a great player in
a universe that she finds dominated by men. Despite her lofty ambitions, she
remains too passive and absent-minded.
Playing Style: Passive/Immature
Personal thoughts:
Absent-minded my foot! Juanita is a terrible player. She basically handed me
her queen on her third turn. Didn't really mount much of a threat afterwards,
as it was easy to decimate her troops.
2.4.3 Stylianos Padapopoulous
Requirements: Defeat first four players in Africa
Bio:
Stylianos was born on May 13, 1973. As a young model for a top fashion
designer, he became interested in chess during a visit to Russia. Since then
he has regularly played chess during his travels throughout the world. He is
a rather passive player.
Playing Style: Passive
Personal thoughts:
It took me two tries to beat him. Amazingly, in the first game, he checkmated
me within the first 10 moves! He's a big opportunist in this sense. I had to
outplay him in the second game . . . Stylianos does not make many mistakes.
2.4.4 Giovanni Rappacio
Requirements: Defeat first four players in Africa
Bio:
Born on November 4, 1977, Giovanni has a very personal style of playing chess.
His tactics rest on tricking his opponents into reacting or by intimidating
them with a mass attack. Unfortunately for him, bluffing is not enough to win
a game of chess and his opponents often end up getting the better of him.
Playing Style: Trickery/Aggressive
Personal thoughts:
Giovanni did try to trick me, as his bio warned. I was prepared, and was able
to see through his ploy. So that is my advice for playing Giovanni. He is
not a real threat. It took me one try to beat him, and was fun to advance a
pawn to the end of the table to obtain a two queen advantage.
2.4.5 Conrad Mac Caan (Master)
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in Europe.
Bio:
Born on March 23, 1954, Conrad is a professor of History and is greatly
respected by his students at the university. Absent-minded and little over
impulsive, he often makes mistakes. Nevertheless, he remains an excellent
strategist.
Playing Style: Strategic/Impulsive
Personal thoughts:
Conrad is not as tough as some of the other masters. He does make mistakes,
but rarely. My suggestion is to wait for him to make one of these mistakes
that gives you a piece advantage. Then sacrifice with him, piece by piece,
until you are left at the end of the game with a clear advantage. However, he
is very clever at leaving himself in a draw situation (which does not count as
a win), so be mindful of this.
2.4.6 Friedrich Lindermann (Grandmaster)
Requirements: Defeat all five Masters, one from each continent (Tanor,
Fabienne, Conrad, Mazakuza, Saskaya)
Bio:
Born on August 15, 1975, Friedrich became interested in chess at an early age.
His parents enrolled him with a club when he was 8-years old. With the
passing of years, his passion for chess, as well as his talent, has only
increased. his playing style is aggressive and he does not hesitate to attack
early in the game to overwhelm his opponent.
Playing Style: Agressive
Personal thoughts:
I decided that I had a good chance to beat Friedrich next after Manuel Carlos
because of his aggressive playing style. It only took me 5 or 6 tries to best
him, and I would say he is the 2nd easiest Grandmaster. Ibrahim is much
harder, even though he is the Grandmaster from Africa. Friedrich was still a
challenge though, I had to gain a piece advantage to take the game.
2.5 Southeast Asia
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in The Americas
2.5.1 Yiu Wong
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in The Americas
Bio:
Born on June 29, 1974, Yui was trusted to a master of martial arts at an early
age to learn Wu Shu. Her teacher taught her to play chess in order to develop
her ability to adapt and improvise in the face of new situations. Just as
with Wu Shu, Yui hits hard and quickly but her youthful impulsiveness has
prevented her from developing further and she remains a beginner.
Playing Style: Aggressive/Rapid
Personal thoughts:
They're getting pretty tough now . . . it took me a little over an hour and a
couple of games to beat her. She is very aggressive, but in a way that
doesn't make mistakes. Finally, she made a small mistake to give me a piece
advantage and I mated her (cautiously).
2.5.2 Manoj Radjalou
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in The Americas
Bio:
Manoj is a taxi driver and was born on January 30, 1963. He has roamed New
Delhi for years and knows the Indian capital inside out. When waiting for
customers, he plays chess with his pocket-sized electronic chess set or with a
partner whenever he manages to find one. Long expeience has turned him into a
good player.
Playing Style: Instinctive
Personal thoughts:
Not too tough. It took me only two tries to beat him, much easier than Yui.
I guess he can't find enough people to play with him in New Delhi . . .
2.5.3 Janlaviin Myagbatar
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in The Americas
Bio:
Janlaviin was born on September 30, 1962. Having spent much of his life as a
soldier, he once read that chess is a game that is entirely based on strategy
and that many of the greatest strategists of the past have been chess players.
Since then he has done his best to reach a good level but he rarely has time
in the barracks to concentrate fully on the game.
Playing Style: Passive/Instinctive
Personal thoughts:
The thing about Janlaviin is, he doesn't give up. Twice I had a piece
advantage on him, and twice he finagled his way into obtaining a draw (which
does not count as a win on Virtual Kasparov). I wanted to throw my GBA out of
the window! So be careful when you play him about not allowing him to obtain
a draw.
2.5.4 Nakorn Kathapappisit
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in The Americas
Bio:
Born on December 11, 1958, Nakorn is the head chef in one of the capital's
major restaurants. For him, both cooking and chess are a subtle blending of
ingredients that make each dish or game unique. Despite a good level, Nakorn
is still prone to making the odd bad move.
Playing Style: Instinctive
Personal thoughts:
Nakorn was pretty simple. About as hard as Manoj. I actually beat him on the
first try, after he made an early mistake, allowing me to take his queen
without sacrifice.
2.5.5 Masakazu Hojo (Master)
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in Southeast Asia
Bio:
Masakazu was born on June 2, 1946. Employed with a big electronics company,
Masakazu is always bursting with energy. There are two main pleasures in his
life: growing bonsai trees and playing chess, both of which demand his full
attention and a lot of time. For him the best way to win is to do everything
possible to corner the opponent. His motto: "Where there's a will, there's
a way."
Playing Style: Dominant/Agressive
Personal thoughts:
Not so bad. It only took me a couple of tries to beat him. One thing to say
about him though, is that he does not make mistakes. You really must outplay
him. However, if you have beaten others like Tanor of Africa and Conrad of
Europe, he is only a little tougher than both of those. Easier to defeat than
Fabienne of The Americas, because Fabienne is more defensive, whereas Masakazu
is more aggressive, and possibly, a little foolish.
2.5.6 Tenzin Gyatso (Grandmaster)
Requirements: Defeat all five Masters, one from each continent (Tanor,
Fabienne, Conrad, Mazakuza, Saskaya)
Bio:
Born on July 4, 1946, Tenzin always knew that he would become a monk and,
eventually, a chess player. This is why, in the temple, he spent all his free
time practicing chess and learning about its history. his expertise in
meditation helps him to contemplate and analyze the game with great calm. His
motto: "All good things come to he who waits."
Playing Style: Deliberate
Personal thoughts:
Tenzin actually didn't take much work, but there is one thing to watch out
for. He's sneaky! You must consider all of HIS options carefully before
moving. Other than that, he's not too bad. My fourth Grandmaster victory.
2.6 Russia
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in Southeast Asia
2.6.1 Dmitri Vasilov
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in Southeast Asia
Bio:
Born on January 16, 1964, Dmitri is a musician. He plays chess with other
members of his group between performances and has greatly improved over the
years. With a high level of skill and a thorough understanding of the game,
Dmitri is a player who is beginning to make a name for himself in the chess
world.
Playing Style: Dominant
Personal thoughts:
This one took me several tries, as Dmitri is not only a dominant player in
style, but he tries to corner specific pieces of his opponent. Quite a few
times, he got a piece advantage on me, and exploited that. But once you can
recognize his pattern, he should be no problem.
2.6.2 Stradd Dragoscu
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in Southeast Asia
Bio:
Stradd was born on October 26, 1963, and was raised in the family castle. His
social position cut him off from other children of his age and so he turned to
chess, which quickly became his favorite hobby. Stradd could become an
extremely talented player but his lack of good oponents has prevented him from
progressing. His technique remains largely unchanged and he excels in wiping
out his opponents piece by piece.
Playing Style: Dominant/Unsure
Personal thoughts:
Took me one try. Stradd DOES make mistakes, so my advice is to be patient and
wait to get a piece advantage. It's funny, his bio says he "excels in wiping
out his opponents piece by piece," but that's exactly what happened to him.
2.6.3 Vicktor Kirov
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in Southeast Asia
Bio:
Vicktor was born on June 16, 1977. His calm appearance as an artist conceals
a turbulent personality that is brought to the surface in his paintings. Some
of this violence also surfaces in his style of playing chess when he does
everything possible to destroy his opponent. However, he still lacks
experience.
Playing Style: Agressive
Personal thoughts:
Well, Vicktor was aggressive . . . but too aggressive. He handed me some
pieces early, maybe because he was being too aggressive. At any rate, he is
not a threat, just a roadblock.
2.6.4 Igor Grouketzky
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in Southeast Asia
Bio:
Born on February 5, 1941, Igor is an excellent math teacher with a reputation
for absent-mindedness. Chess is a hobby that he uses to pass away the time
when his students are bent over their work during tests. He plays in a rather
classical style but has mastered a defensive approach to chess that allows him
to maintain a solid position at all times.
Playing Style: Defensive/Classical
Personal thoughts:
It took me two tries to defeat Igor. The first time I made a silly mistake.
Honestly, I was a little intimidated by Igor. The first reason is because of
his age (I think he's the oldest in the game . . . haven't unlocked all the
players yet). And the second reason is his appearance. He looks rather
ruthless. Now that I've beaten him, I think he looks rather . . . sad.
2.6.5 Saskaya Leskopov (Master)
Requirements: Defeat the first four players in Russia
Bio:
Saskaya was born January 1, 1987, in a small village close to Moscow. Her
father, who had always lovedto play chess, introduced her to the game at an
early age. It quickly became clear that she was a very gifted player. Her
admiration for Kasparov led her to study his games in order to understand his
style of playing: "Never cry victory until the battle is won."
Playing Style: Classical/Instinctive
Personal thoughts:
Saskaya is VERY clever for being so young! Many times I had a piece advantage
on her, and many times she scrambled from behind to beat me. I almost wanted
to throw my GBA across the room. But with persistence comes success.
2.6.6 Sergei Bakosky (Grandmaster)
Requirements: Defeat all five Masters, one from each continent (Tanor,
Fabienne, Conrad, Mazakuza, Saskaya)
Bio:
Sergei was born on February 24, 1963. Although he appears destined to work
with his muscles, Sergei has always shown a strong interest in more
intellectual activities and he even has a degree in Chemistry and Physics.
While still at school he joined a chess club where he quickly developed a
strong but subtle style of playing. He has now become an excellent player.
His motto: "Never judge a book by its cover."
Playing Style: Dominant/Subtle
Personal thoughts:
Sergei, in my opinion, is the toughest Grandmaster, and he was the last one
that I beat. It took me a couple of weeks and at least 50 games to best him.
He's just very very smart. But, with his defeat, I gained access to Garry
Kasparov himself.
2.6.7 Garry Kasparov (World Champion)
Requirements: Defeat all five Grandmasters, one from each continent (Ibrahim,
Manuel Carlos, Friedrich, Tenzin, Sergei)
Bio:
Garry Kasparov was born on April 13, 1963 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan,
ex-USSR. By the age of seven, Garry was a child chess prodigy. At nine, he
had already won a semifinal of the "blitz" championship for adults in Baku.
At the beginning of 1976, when he was only 12, he achieved his first great
victory thanks to his relentless work and won the Soviet Junior Championship.
He became the youngest player in the history of this competition to win such a
title. When, for the first time, he entered a foreign adult tournament, Garry
finished first; two points ahead of fourteen Grand Masters. His score:
11.5-15 (=8, =7, -0). In 1980, he won the World Junior Championship. At 21,
Garry Kasparov was the youngest player in chess history to compete in a World
Championship. On November 9, 1985, Garry became the youngest ever and the
13th World Chess Champion when he beat Karpov. In January of 1990, Kasparov
created two milestones in chess history. First, he moved past Bobby Fischer's
best ever rating of 2785 and then broke the magical 2800 sound barrier. From
December 1981 to December 1991, Kasparov created chess history by not losing a
single event for ten years. This was the period in which he created the
reputation of invincibility. In 1999, after winning the three major events of
that year, he created a new milestone by topping the 2850 ELO ratings mark.
Garry Kasparov has earned his place in immortality by being the first player
in chess history (in 1989-1990) to ever reach an ELO rating of 2800 (the chess
equivalent of breaking the four minute mile). From 1984 to the present
(2001), Kasparov has retained the world's #1 rating. Now aged 38, after 16
years as the world's #1 he has set his sights on retaining this lead for years
to come.
Playing Style: Dominant/Thoughtful
Personal thoughts:
Wow, what a bio! Honestly however, that was the most impressive thing to me
about Garry Kasparov. Reason being, I BEAT GARRY ON MY FIRST TRY! Quite a
disappointment, after all of the hype leading up to him. Therefore, I
consider Sergei Bakosky to be the most difficult player in the game. Garry
must be getting old, although it's highly probable it's hard to capture the
essence of Kasparov on a simple GBA cartridge.
3.0 Special Moves
There are three special moves in chess: Castling, Pawn Promotion, and [Taking
a Pawn] En Passant. These are outlined in this section.
3.1 Castling
Castling is probably the most important special move in chess. It is designed
to do two things. One: Place the king into a more defensive position. Two:
Bring a rook quickly into play. It is the only move that allows the movement
of two pieces at the same time.
NOTE: This section is intended for use when playing white. The directions
for black are in parentheses (). Castling is performed by moving the king two
squares to the right (left for black) while also moving the king's rook two
squares to the left (right for black). This is called castling "to the king's
side." There is also the option of moving the king two squares to the left
(right for black), and also moving the queen's rook two squares to the right
(left for black). This is called castling "to the queen's side."
Several points must be noted, though. All of the squares in between the king
and the castling rook must be empty. Also, the king and the castling rook
must not have been moved prior to the castling move. In addition, one cannot
castle when they are in check, when castling would put them into check, or
when the motion of the king during castling would cross a square that is
controlled by an enemy piece (moving "through check").
3.2 Pawn Promotion
Pawn promotion is probably the second most important special move. A beginner
might wonder what happens to a pawn once it reaches the other side of the
chess board. After all, if a pawn can only move forward, what good can it do
once it is on the last square?
Well, thankfully, that dead-end pawn instantly becomes your best friend. At
the end of the turn when the pawn reaches the last square, it is PROMOTED to
another piece (major or minor). This piece is determined by the player
controlling the pawn. Almost always, the piece chosen is a queen, because it
is so powerful, but the player may also choose between a rook, bishop, or
knight. This is usually because another piece will help the player checkmate
the enemy or avoid a draw situation. Note that you cannot leave the pawn as a
pawn, and you may not promote the pawn into another king.
Small note about major and minor pieces:
Major pieces are Rooks and Queens (worth 5 and 9 points, respectively).
Minor pieces are Bishops and Knights (both worth 3 points, hence "minor").
3.3 En Passant
Taking a pawn "en passant" is rarely used, but I suppose can be useful in some
games. I've only seen it happen a handful of times in my career. As you
know, a pawn has the option of moving two squares forward on its first move.
Since this is much more powerful than moving one square, an equalizing move is
conceded to the opposing player. If a pawn moves two squares forward, an
opposing pawn can take the 2-square pawn AS IF IT HAD ONLY MOVED ONE SQUARE.
Here is a possible sequence: White moves a pawn 2 squares forward. Black,
which has a pawn on the same rank (side-to-side) as the 2-square white pawn,
decides to take the pawn "en passant". This eliminates the white pawn, and
the black pawn moves to the square BEHIND the square previously occupied by
the white pawn. It is important, therefore, to be careful when moving pawns
2 squares forward while your opponent has pawns in that area.
4.0 Special Thanks
4.1 Corrections
-Thanks go to Iain for finding a mistake in Section 3.1 - Castling and
informing me about it. (Kings may only move two squares in a castling move.)
