Ranks/Files

Harry00

Only Chess

24 Jun 06

Harry00

Joined: 22 Jun 06
Moves: 0

24 Jun 06

Okay, ranks are the diagonal rows on the board and files are the vertical rows. Is that right?

o0obruceleeo0o

Joined: 28 Dec 05
Moves: 2313

24 Jun 06

Originally posted by Harry00
Okay, ranks are the diagonal rows on the board and files are the vertical rows. Is that right?

Nope it's not right. Ranks are horizontal (1st rank, 2nd rank, 3rd rank,etc) files are vertical (a-file, b-file, c-file, etc) and diagonals are diagonal (a1-h8 diagonal, a2-g8 diagonal, etc).

Harry00

Joined: 22 Jun 06
Moves: 0

24 Jun 06

Thanks. I thought I was wrong and, as usual, I was.

Harry00

Joined: 22 Jun 06
Moves: 0

24 Jun 06

Just a thought: Any realation to rank and file on chess board and rank and file in labor?

RolandYoung

London

Joined: 05 Mar 03
Moves: 6047

24 Jun 06

Originally posted by Harry00
Just a thought: Any realation to rank and file on chess board and rank and file in labor?

"Rank and file" is a military image, referring to the ordinary soldiers who would, in times past, march and fight in rectangular formations. The cannon fodder, as opposed to the officers.

TommyC

London

Joined: 04 Jun 06
Moves: 929

24 Jun 06

Originally posted by Harry00
Thanks. I thought I was wrong and, as usual, I was.

But there, you were right.

prosoccer

Joined: 01 Apr 05
Moves: 8760

25 Jun 06

I remember files because of how the drawers in filing cabinets come out. Works for me.