White and Black in chess

In chess, the player who moves first is referred to as "White" and the player who moves second is referred to as "Black." Similarly, the pieces that each conducts are called, respectively, "the white pieces" and "the black pieces." The pieces are often not literally white and black, but some other colors (usually a light color and a dark color, respectively). The 64 squares of the chessboard, which is colored in a checkered pattern, are likewise referred to as "white squares" or "light squares" on the one hand, and "black squares" or "dark squares" on the other. In most cases, the squares are not actually white and black, but a light color and a contrasting dark color. For example, the squares on plastic boards are often white and green, while those on wood boards are often light brown and dark brown.

History

The convention of White having the first move is comparatively recent. Johann Horny, in a book published in Germany in 1824, wrote that Black moves first. [Andy Soltis, "Chess to Enjoy", Stein and Day, 1978, p. 86. ISBN 0-8128-6059-4.] On October 19, 1857, Mr. Perrin, the Secretary of the New York Chess Club, informed those assembled at the First American Chess Congress that he had received a letter from Johann Löwenthal, a leading English master, "suggesting the advisableness of always giving the first move in public games, to the player of the white pieces." [David Lawson, "Paul Morphy: The Pride and Sorrow of Chess", p. 65, David McKay, 1976. ISBN 0-679-13044-6.] The club evidently did not follow this advice, since in its match the following year against its Philadelphia counterpart, Philadelphia played White in both games, but moved first only in the second game. [Neil Brennen, "New York vs. Philadelphia: The 1858 Telegraph Match," "Chess Life", June 2008, p. 38.]

First move advantage

There has been a debate among chess players at least since 1889 about whether playing first gives White a significant advantage. Statistical analysis shows that White scores a little over 50% at most levels of play, and that White's margin increases as the standard of play improves.

ee also

* First-move advantage in chess
* Rules of chess

Notes