What is Eighth Rank?

The Eighth Rank in chess refers to the row of squares on the chessboard that is furthest from the player. In the standard setup of a chessboard, this is where the opponent's major pieces - the rooks, knights, bishops, queen, and king - are initially placed. The specific rank is often denoted by the number 8 in notation, for example, a move to the square f8. The term is applied to the game as it's played on a physical board, as well as its digital versions. The tactics can vary greatly for defending or attacking the pieces on the eighth rank, depending on the progression of the game.