Who Goes First In Chess

Whether you’re diving headfirst into the royal game of chess for the very first time or dusting off your knowledge to teach a newbie, you’ll quickly stumble upon a deceptively simple question: Who makes the first move in chess? At first glance, it might seem like a trivial detail—just a flip of a coin, perhaps? But in the world of pawns, queens, and checkmates, this rule is not only foundational—it shapes the entire game.

So, what’s the verdict?

White always goes first.

Yes, it’s that straightforward—but don’t let the simplicity fool you. This rule carries historical weight, strategic implications, and a touch of mystery that makes it far more intriguing than you might expect. Buckle up, because we’re going deep into the origins, logic, and strategic consequences of chess’s very first move.

The Basic Rule: White Leads the Charge

Let’s get the official bit out of the way. According to the FIDE Laws of Chess (that’s the international governing body for competitive chess), Rule 1.2 clearly states:

“The player with the white pieces commences the game.”

No ambiguity. No exceptions. Whether you’re playing on a coffee-stained board in a local park or competing under bright lights at a Grandmaster tournament, white always moves first.

This rule isn’t just followed in official matches. Platforms like Chess.com, Lichess.org, and countless mobile apps around the globe uphold it with robotic consistency. Even if you play against a friend using bottle caps and coins for pieces (we don’t judge your creativity), white is still expected to start the game.

But… why white? And why always?

Let’s peel back the layers.

Why Does White Go First? (A Little Chess History)

The tradition of white moving first hasn’t been around forever. In fact, in chess’s long and winding history—stretching back over a thousand years—there was a time when the rules around who moved first were a bit more… flexible.

In the early days of modern chess (we’re talking 15th–18th century Europe), it wasn’t uncommon for players to decide who moved first by mutual agreement, coin toss, or a good old-fashioned rock-paper-scissors match (okay, maybe not the last one). There was no hard rule about who had to go first.

It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the rule became standardized. Around the 1880s and 1890s, prominent tournaments and chess publications started favoring white to go first. By the early 20th century, the practice was universally adopted, and eventually enshrined in official rules.

Why white? A few possible reasons:

• Visual clarity: White pieces are often easier to see and distinguish, especially in older print or hand-drawn diagrams.
• Aesthetic preference: White may have symbolized purity, light, or clarity in old European traditions. (Let’s not read too much into that.)
• Uniformity: Like many rules in sports, it was adopted for consistency.

Regardless of the origins, the result is now an unshakable pillar of chess: white moves first, always and everywhere.

Strategic Implications: The White Advantage

Now that we know who moves first, the next logical question is: does it matter?

Spoiler alert: Yes. A lot.

That single, precious first move grants white a slight but measurable advantage. In high-level chess, where players prepare dozens of moves in advance, going first can tilt the scales just enough to matter.

Let’s break down the benefits of being on team white:

• Initiative: White sets the tone of the game. Whether it’s launching into the King’s Gambit, the Ruy López, or a quiet pawn push to e4, white controls the opening rhythm.
• Momentum: White can force black to respond rather than dictate early threats, giving white room to shape the battlefield.
• Psychological edge: In competitive play, players often prefer white for the confidence boost it offers. Chess pros don’t just play the board—they play the person.
  

In fact, stats from thousands of games show that white wins slightly more often than black—though the margin isn’t huge. In elite tournaments, white typically wins about 55% of the time (counting draws as half-wins).

That said, black isn’t doomed to be the eternal underdog. Many elite players are absolute wizards at counterattacks and symmetrical defenses. But there’s no denying that the first move advantage adds spice to the game.

Does It Ever Change?

In casual settings, you can technically agree to flip the rule—nothing’s stopping you from letting black go first if everyone’s cool with it. But once you enter rated matches, tournaments, or online ranked play, the rule is sacred.

Some chess variants (like Chess960 or bughouse) might tweak starting positions or styles of play, but even then, white still goes first. The tradition holds.

Fun Fact: Color Assignment Isn’t Always Random

Ever wonder how players get assigned white or black in tournaments? It’s not just dumb luck.

• In round-robin events, color distribution is carefully rotated to ensure fairness.
• In Swiss-system tournaments, it’s often based on seeding and previous matchups.
• In casual play, players might flip a coin, pick straws, or even roll dice.

And on online platforms, the system usually alternates your color automatically—so if you played black last game, you’re likely to play white next time.

Why Does White Go First in Chess? (And Other Colorful Chess Curiosities)

If you’ve ever sat across a chessboard wondering, “Why do I always have to be Black?” or “How come White always gets the first move?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of those peculiar traditions that players just accept, much like shaking hands before a match or staring intensely at the board like it owes you money.

But the question remains: Why does White go first in chess? Is it just a nod to aesthetics? A secret code of the chess elite? Or is there an actual historical reason behind it?

Well, let’s travel back through time—no DeLorean needed—and unravel the curious story of how White earned the right to move first.

Once Upon a Time… Nobody Cared Who Moved First

Surprisingly, the “White goes first” rule wasn’t always a thing. Before the late 19th century, players weren’t bound by a universal first-move rule. Chess back then was more like an informal dinner party—whoever was feeling bold that day might go first. If there was a dispute, no worries! Just flip a coin, draw lots, or agree like civilized humans. It was chess meets chance meets casual vibes.

So, if you think arguing over who gets the remote is chaotic, imagine elite chess players flipping coins before every match.

But then, chess started getting serious—like, world-tournament serious.

Enter the Era of Order: Chess Goes Corporate (Sort Of)

As international tournaments started popping up, especially in the mid to late 1800s, organizers began realizing that a standardized set of rules was sorely needed. You can’t have one tournament where Black moves first, another where White starts, and a third where someone just yells “GO!” and chaos ensues.

The first major milestone came in 1889, during the International Chess Congress in New York. This is when things got official. The rule mandating that White always moves first was formalized—and it’s been the gold standard ever since.

Why this change?

Uniformity in Tournament Settings

When players from around the globe meet on the board, they need a common playbook. Letting White go first ensured that every single game started on the same footing, reducing ambiguity.

Ease of Rule Enforcement

Referees and organizers could breathe easier knowing there was no coin flipping, no last-minute negotiations. Just White. Always White.

Better Analytical Consistency

With everyone starting the same way, game analysis, opening theories, and statistical studies became more structured and meaningful. Coaches, commentators, and book authors finally had a solid foundation to work from.

The result? A more professional, more predictable, and dare we say, more elegant version of the royal game.

So… Is This “First Move” a Big Deal?

Let’s put it this way: in chess, the first move is like grabbing the mic in a rap battle—you get to set the tone, the rhythm, and force your opponent to respond to you.

Statistically, yes—White’s first-move advantage is real, though it’s not game-breaking. It’s more like a gentle breeze in your sails rather than a full-blown head start.

What the Numbers Say:

• At the grandmaster level, White tends to win about 55–56% of the time.
• Black scores around 44–45%, with a few percentage points ending in draws.

That’s not insignificant. At the highest levels of chess—where every move is sharpened to perfection and mistakes are rarer than polite YouTube comments—even a tiny edge matters.

But what about the rest of us?

In Casual or Beginner Games:

Let’s be honest—if you’re still mixing up your rooks and bishops or occasionally forgetting to protect your queen (hey, we’ve all been there), the first-move advantage isn’t going to save you.

In these games, the winner is usually decided by:

• Who blunders a piece first
• Who sees (or misses) a mate in two
• Who’s eating snacks while trying to castle

That said, even for beginners, learning how to make the most of initiative—the idea of pushing the game forward—is a great habit to build. White naturally gets to do that from move one, which helps develop confidence and tempo.

Playing Black: Underdog or Secret Weapon?

Before you start grumbling about getting Black pieces again, consider this: playing Black doesn’t mean you’re destined to lose. Far from it. Many players actually prefer playing Black, especially if they enjoy a more reactive, counterattacking style.

In fact, some of the most famous chess victories in history were won with Black. Why? Because while White sets the pace, Black has the power to disrupt, counter, and even trap White into overextension.

Some of the most notorious chess openings—like the Sicilian Defense or the King’s Indian—are Black’s way of saying, “Bring it on.”

A Few Tips for Dominating with Black:

• Study aggressive defenses: Openings like the Sicilian or the Grunfeld can quickly flip the initiative.
• Prepare surprises: Since many players rely on theory when they play White, throwing them off with an unusual line can rattle their confidence.
• Don’t rush: Black is often about absorbing pressure and waiting for the right moment to strike.

Bottom line: Don’t fear the dark side—master it.

But Wait… How Is Color Decided in the First Place?

Now that we’ve established why White moves first and that Black isn’t doomed to fail, you might wonder: How do players even get assigned their colors?

In Casual Play:

• Flip a coin
• Draw lots
• Rock-paper-scissors (yes, seriously)
• Or just alternate games

In your neighborhood coffeehouse or kitchen table, deciding who gets White is often just a friendly decision—or the result of a best-of-three thumb war.

In Online Chess:

Whether you’re playing on Chess.com, Lichess, or another platform, color assignment is typically:

• Random
• Or alternated to ensure fairness over multiple games

These platforms also take into account your recent games. If you’ve been stuck playing Black five times in a row, you’re more likely to be assigned White next to balance the scales.

In Official Tournaments:

Tournaments play by stricter rules, and fairness is key.

• First round: Colors are usually assigned randomly or based on seeding.
• Following rounds: Players alternate colors as much as possible.
• Pairing algorithms like the Swiss system ensure that each player has a near-even distribution of Whites and Blacks by the tournament’s end.
• In multi-game matches, players switch colors each round. If an odd number of games is played, one player may get White slightly more often—but the order is pre-agreed or drawn fairly.

In events like the World Chess Championship, color allocation is part of the opening ceremony—literally. Players draw tokens, envelopes, or objects to determine who starts with White. It’s all very ceremonial, often with dramatic music and a few raised eyebrows.

The Psychology of White and Black

Whether you realize it or not, chess colors can influence your mindset. Many players report feeling more “in control” as White and more “cautious” as Black. And psychology plays a bigger role in chess than most people admit.

• White encourages aggression, confidence, and control.
• Black often cultivates patience, resilience, and creativity.

Great chess players learn to thrive with both colors. They embrace the different dynamics, mastering both offense and defense, bold strikes and quiet consolidations.

Should Chess Ever Let Black Move First?

This question occasionally stirs debate among chess enthusiasts. Some argue that rotating who moves first—or randomly selecting the starter—could balance the game even further.

A few chess variants already do this. Some even explore mirror chess, where both players make the same move simultaneously. (Yes, it’s as weird as it sounds.)

But traditional chess likely won’t be changing the “White goes first” rule anytime soon. It’s deeply rooted in chess culture, literature, and pedagogy.

Still, it’s a reminder that even the smallest traditions in chess have fascinating backstories.

Final Move: White’s Privilege, Black’s Power

To sum it all up:

• White moves first because chess needed consistency—and that rule has stood strong since 1889.
• Statistically, White has a slight edge, especially at higher levels.
• Black is far from doomed, offering deep strategic richness and plenty of counterplay.
• Color assignments vary depending on where and how you play—but fairness is always the goal.
• And whether you’re commanding the light or dark army, your decisions, not your color, define your destiny.

So the next time you sit down to play and find yourself with Black pieces, don’t sigh. Smirk. Because every grandmaster knows: it’s not who moves first—it’s who moves best.

What If Players Accidentally Start with Black? A Deep Dive into Chess Mishaps, Mastery, and the Magic of the Game

Chess—often described as the game of kings, the battlefield of minds, and occasionally, the reason you’re furiously Googling “what happens if I start with the wrong color?” Welcome to the quirky yet fascinating world of chess mix-ups and black-piece brilliance.

Let’s get this out of the way: yes, chess has rules. No, it’s not Monopoly—you can’t just start wherever and hope no one notices. But despite the structure and centuries of tradition, even the most seasoned players sometimes face the unexpected. One such scenario? Accidentally starting with the black pieces.

Sounds like a harmless blunder, right? But in the sacred arena of chess—especially in tournament play—this seemingly minor oversight could lead to more than just a few raised eyebrows. Let’s unravel what happens when the white/black roles are reversed by accident, and why it’s not always game over.

The Casual Chaos: Oops, Did I Just Play as Black?

Let’s set the scene.

You show up to your weekly chess club, your latte in one hand, your ego in the other. You sit down across from your opponent, crack your knuckles, and proudly push the c-pawn forward. You’re on fire. A few moves in, someone leans over and says, “Hey… weren’t you supposed to be White?”

Cue internal panic.

In casual games, where the spirit of the game matters more than the strict letter of the law, this sort of slip-up is usually met with chuckles and a lighthearted “No worries, let’s just keep going.” After all, unless you’re playing for trophies, titles, or internet bragging rights, it’s more about the journey than the color of your pieces.

But take that same mix-up into the high-stakes world of official tournaments, and suddenly you’ve entered a different chess dimension altogether.

FIDE Steps In: When the Rules Become Royal

FIDE—the international governing body of chess—doesn’t mess around when it comes to rules. They’ve codified just about everything: from how to shake hands before a match to what happens if you sneeze too loudly during an opponent’s move. So naturally, they have something to say about starting with the wrong color.

According to FIDE regulations:

• If the game begins with the incorrect colors and more than ten moves have been played by both players, the game continues. No take-backs. No resets. The game is considered valid, even if you accidentally became a “Black knight” instead of a “White bishop.”
• If the mistake is discovered within the first 10 full moves (i.e., 10 moves by each player), the game can be stopped and restarted with the correct colors. It’s essentially the chess equivalent of a “do-over.”

This rule makes sense. Beyond 10 moves, positions may have evolved in a way that can’t easily be re-created or fairly re-balanced. But within 10 moves, there’s enough room to reset the clock—literally and metaphorically.

Online Chess: Where Mistakes Are Digitally Impossible

Now, if you’ve spent any time on chess websites like Chess.com, Lichess, or even the good old Chess24, you’ll notice that the color assignment is automated. There’s no way for you to accidentally start with the wrong color unless you’re actively trying to confuse everyone.

These platforms ensure fair play from the get-go:

• The system assigns colors randomly or based on pairing algorithms.
• You can’t move until it’s your turn, so trying to start as Black on White’s move is like trying to eat soup with a fork—it just won’t happen.
• Mistakes of this kind are virtually non-existent in the online realm, making it a safe haven for beginners and professionals alike.

So in digital chess, this “starting with the wrong color” scenario is nearly impossible. But in real-world tournaments? Mistakes happen. Even to grandmasters.

Famous Games Where Black Emerged Victorious

Let’s bust a myth real quick: starting with White doesn’t guarantee a win. Sure, statistically, White has a slight advantage due to going first. But ask any Grandmaster and they’ll tell you—Black has plenty of bite.

Some of the most electrifying victories in chess history have been achieved by the player with the black pieces. Here are a few that could make you consider requesting Black next time you play:

Garry Kasparov vs. Veselin Topalov, Wijk aan Zee (1999)

An absolute masterpiece. With the Black pieces, Kasparov unleashed one of the most brilliant attacks ever seen on a chessboard. Tactical fireworks, relentless pressure, and a king walk that defied logic—this game is studied to this day by aspiring players and seasoned veterans alike.

Magnus Carlsen vs. Fabiano Caruana (2018 World Championship)

In a match filled with draws, Black proved remarkably resilient. Time and again, Carlsen and Caruana demonstrated how deep preparation, careful play, and the ability to neutralize White’s initiative can lead to incredibly balanced—even winning—positions for Black.

Bobby Fischer’s Sicilian Dominance

Fischer had a flair for turning Black into a weapon. His favorite line against 1.e4? The Sicilian Defense, especially the Najdorf variation. He didn’t just hold ground as Black—he launched brutal counterattacks and crushed even the best.

These examples showcase a key truth: while White starts, Black strikes back. And when done right, Black doesn’t just survive—it wins.

Tips for Playing as White vs. Black

The difference between playing as White and Black isn’t just about who moves first—it’s a psychological and strategic shift. Each color demands a different mindset, different goals, and different levels of patience (especially if you’re the aggressive type and you’re stuck playing second).

Let’s break it down.

When You’re Playing as White: Be the First to Roar

You’re on the offensive. The battlefield is yours to shape.

• Seize the center: Open with 1.e4 or 1.d4 to control key squares and dictate the flow of the game.
• Play aggressive openings: Try the Ruy López, Queen’s Gambit, or the ever-smooth Italian Game.
• Create initiative: As White, it’s your job to keep Black on the defensive. Develop quickly, castle early, and look for ways to apply pressure.

Think of it like being the first one to make a move on the dance floor—your energy sets the tone.

When You’re Playing as Black: Be the Silent Assassin

You may be a move behind, but that doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage. You’re the counter-puncher, the patient tactician.

• Defend like a pro: Respond with solid defenses like the Sicilian (for sharp players), the Caro-Kann (for solid thinkers), or the King’s Indian (for ambitious counter-strikers).
• Look for imbalances: Wait for White to overreach or get too greedy, then pounce with a counterattack.
• Equalize and then dominate: Your first goal is to survive the opening. Your second goal? Turn the tables.

Black isn’t about hiding. It’s about waiting—and then launching a devastating surprise party in the center or on the flanks.

Psychological Warfare: Confidence Over Color

One of the least-discussed but most powerful elements of chess? Mindset. Whether you’re White or Black, your attitude can define your gameplay far more than your color.

Let’s be honest—some players crumble when they’re handed the Black pieces. They think they’re already behind. But the best players? They don’t care. They know that chess is about preparation, understanding, and execution—not just initiative.

Some players even prefer playing Black, because it gives them a chance to lure White into traps, exploit aggressive lines, and play with a deep strategic edge.

It’s Not About the Color, It’s About the Play

So, what happens if you accidentally start as Black? In casual games, not much—laugh it off and keep playing. In tournaments, follow the FIDE rules. And in life? Just remember:

Chess isn’t about who moves first. It’s about who thinks better.

Whether you’re moving pawns with White or orchestrating counterattacks with Black, the board is your canvas, and every move is a stroke of genius—or a lesson learned.

So the next time you mix up colors, don’t panic. Instead, channel your inner Kasparov or Fischer, and let your strategy shine. Because in the end, the true color of a chess champion isn’t black or white—it’s brilliant.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you choose to play as Black?

Yes, especially in casual games or online platforms, players can often choose or randomly get assigned colors. However, in official tournaments, the color assignment is typically determined by pairing systems, rotations, or drawing lots to ensure fairness over multiple rounds.

Has White always gone first?

Not always. The rule that White moves first wasn’t standardized until the late 19th century. Before then, players would decide who went first by mutual agreement, coin toss, or other methods. Today, the rule is universally accepted for consistency across the game.

Why are colors important in chess?

Colors determine the order of play. White always moves first, giving them a slight initiative. This first-move advantage can impact the flow of the game, especially in high-level competition, where even small edges matter. However, skilled players can effectively counter and capitalize on being Black.

Do chess engines favor White?

Most engines recognize White’s initial move advantage, often evaluating starting positions slightly in White’s favor—typically around +0.2 to +0.3. Still, engines also highlight how a well-played game can be drawn or won by either side, and the color alone doesn’t determine the outcome.

Can two players play with the same color in a game?

No, standard chess rules require one player to control the White pieces and the other to control Black. Playing with the same color would break the structure of alternating moves and strategy, which is central to the game.

Does playing White or Black affect a player’s win rate?

Statistically, White tends to win slightly more often, especially at the professional level—usually around 52–56% of the time. This edge is largely due to having the initiative from the first move. However, many players have personal preferences and may feel more confident playing as Black.

How is color decided in a tournament?

Tournament organizers use various systems to assign colors, such as Swiss pairings, round-robin rotations, or computerized draws. Efforts are made to balance color assignments across rounds so that players don’t have too many games with the same color in a row.

Is it better to play as White or Black as a beginner?

Beginners might find it easier to learn basic opening principles and control of the board by starting as White. That said, it’s crucial to practice with both colors to develop a well-rounded understanding of the game. Black offers unique strategic challenges and helps players learn how to respond to aggression.

Are there chess openings exclusive to White or Black?

Yes, certain openings are only available depending on the color you’re playing. For example, the Ruy López (Spanish Opening) is a White opening beginning with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. Meanwhile, the Sicilian Defense is a popular Black response to 1.e4. Each color offers distinct opening repertoires and plans.

Conclusion

To wrap it all up with a grandmaster’s flourish: yes, White always makes the first move in chess, a tradition that’s been solidified in modern rules across the globe. But let’s not be fooled into thinking the color of your pieces determines your fate on the board. Sure, starting as White gives you a slight initiative—like being handed the mic at an open mic night—but it’s your strategic depth, calculated risks, and icy nerves that truly shape your path to victory.

Chess is far more than a battle of black and white. It’s an intricate ballet of logic, foresight, and flair—where every pawn push and queen sacrifice tells a story. Whether you’re charging out with White or counterattacking with Black, the real power lies not in your color, but in your command of the game. So sharpen your tactics, master your endgames, and remember: greatness in chess starts not with the first move, but with the next one.