Chess Vocabulary
1 / 15Chess terms, strategy, and piece movements
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
What does 'checkmate' mean in chess?
About Chess Vocabulary
Chess terms, strategy, and piece movements Chess Vocabulary packs 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. What does 'checkmate' mean in chess?
Answer: The king is under attack and cannot escape, ending the game
2. What is 'castling' in chess?
Answer: A special move involving the king and a rook switching positions
3. What does 'stalemate' mean?
Answer: A draw where the player to move has no legal moves but is not in check
4. What is 'en passant' in chess?
Answer: A special pawn capture where a pawn takes an adjacent pawn that just moved two squares
5. What is a 'gambit' in chess?
Answer: An opening strategy where a player sacrifices material for an advantage
Frequently asked questions
Is Chess Vocabulary free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Chess Vocabulary — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Chess Vocabulary take?
Most players finish Chess Vocabulary in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Chess Vocabulary?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Chess Vocabulary?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
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