Chess Terminology Trivia Quiz!

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Chess Terminology Trivia Quiz! - Quiz


How long have you been playing chess? Do you know every term used in chess? Try this chess terminology trivia quiz to check how much you know about the terms and phrases used in this popular mind game. There are several terms in chess that everybody does not know. It is time to ace this quiz if you are a true chess player. All the best! Do not forget to share the quiz with others.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    In chess, what piece has little power but is the most important?

    • A.

      Pawn

    • B.

      Queen

    • C.

      Knight

    • D.

      King

    Correct Answer
    D. King
    Explanation
    The king is the most important piece in chess because the objective of the game is to checkmate the opponent's king. While the king has limited power in terms of movement and capturing, it must be protected at all costs. If the king is captured, the game is lost. Therefore, despite its limited abilities, the king's safety and preservation are crucial for victory.

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  • 2. 

    What is the name of the opening move "Nc3"?

    • A.

      Durkin's attack

    • B.

      King's Indian attack

    • C.

      Dunst opening

    • D.

      Paris opening

    Correct Answer
    C. Dunst opening
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Dunst opening. The Dunst opening is a chess opening that begins with the move "Nc3". It is named after the American chess player, Walter Penn Shipley Dunst. This opening aims to control the center of the board and develop the knight to a strong position. It is considered to be a flexible and solid opening choice for white.

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  • 3. 

    Only the King can move when Double Checked. What is the name of the area where the King travels to?

    • A.

      Passed Pawn

    • B.

      Rating

    • C.

      Desperado

    • D.

      Space

    Correct Answer
    D. Space
    Explanation
    In the context of a double check in chess, the term "space" is used to describe the area or square to which the King must move to escape the check. The other options, "Passed Pawn," "Rating," and "Desperado," are terms related to other concepts in chess and are not relevant to the situation of the King moving under double check.

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  • 4. 

    What is the equivalent phrase to "walking the plank"?

    • A.

      Blockade

    • B.

      Zugzwang

    • C.

      Checkmate

    • D.

      Attack

    Correct Answer
    B. Zugzwang
    Explanation
    Zugzwang is a chess term that refers to a situation where a player is forced to make a move, even though any move they make will put them at a disadvantage. This phrase is equivalent to "walking the plank" because both describe a situation where someone is trapped and has no good options available to them. Just like a person forced to walk the plank has no choice but to go overboard, a player in zugzwang has no choice but to make a move that will worsen their position in the game.

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  • 5. 

    Pieces are grabbed more quickly in a "Maiden's Game" than usual.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In a "Maiden's Game," pieces are grabbed more quickly than usual. This suggests that the game is played at a faster pace or with more aggressive moves. It could also imply that the players are more experienced or skilled, leading to quicker decision-making and capturing of pieces. Overall, this statement indicates that in a "Maiden's Game," the pace of the game is faster and pieces are taken more swiftly.

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  • 6. 

    A King that is the only piece of its color on the board.

    • A.

      Care king

    • B.

      Bare king

    • C.

      Dare king

    • D.

      Share king

    Correct Answer
    B. Bare king
    Explanation
    A "Bare king" refers to a king that is the only piece of its color on the chessboard. In chess, each player starts with one king, and if a player's king is the only remaining piece of their color, it is considered a "bare king." This term is used to describe a specific situation in the game where one player has lost all their other pieces and is left with only their king.

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  • 7. 

    What term is used when a Pawn is promoted but does not become a Queen?

    • A.

      A Water Clock

    • B.

      A Stopwatch

    • C.

      A Burning Candle

    • D.

      Underpromotion

    Correct Answer
    D. Underpromotion
    Explanation
    Underpromotion is the term used when a Pawn is promoted to a piece other than a Queen. This can occur when a Pawn reaches the eighth rank and is promoted to a Knight, Bishop, Rook, or even a King in rare cases. It is a strategic decision made by the player to choose a piece that best suits the current game situation, rather than automatically promoting to a Queen.

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  • 8. 

    What was the name of the computer program that beat an International Grand Master in 1988?

    • A.

      Brain Trust

    • B.

      Deep Thought

    • C.

      E-5200

    • D.

      Hal

    Correct Answer
    B. Deep Thought
    Explanation
    Deep Thought is the correct answer because it was the name of the computer program that defeated an International Grand Master in 1988.

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  • 9. 

    Psychologists often cite Chess as an excellent way to improve what?

    • A.

      REM Sleep

    • B.

      Focus

    • C.

      Patience

    • D.

      Memory Function

    Correct Answer
    D. Memory Function
    Explanation
    Chess is often cited as an excellent way to improve memory function because it requires players to remember and recall various moves, strategies, and patterns. The game challenges the brain's ability to retain information, analyze positions, and make decisions based on past experiences. By playing chess regularly, individuals can enhance their memory skills, such as working memory, long-term memory, and spatial memory. Additionally, chess also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and concentration, which indirectly contribute to better memory function.

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  • 10. 

    What system is used to assign numerical ratings to competitive Chess players?

    • A.

      Winslow Rating System

    • B.

      Arpad Rating System

    • C.

      Harkness Rating System

    • D.

      Elo Rating System

    Correct Answer
    D. Elo Rating System
    Explanation
    The Elo Rating System is used to assign numerical ratings to competitive Chess players. This system was developed by Arpad Elo and is widely used in Chess tournaments and competitions around the world. The Elo system takes into account the ratings of both players before a match and adjusts their ratings based on the outcome of the game. It assigns a higher rating to players who consistently perform well against strong opponents and a lower rating to players who consistently perform poorly. This system helps to determine the skill level and ranking of Chess players.

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  • 11. 

    What label is given to a Chess player in his or her first year of competitive play?

    • A.

      Class I

    • B.

      Rookie

    • C.

      Beginner

    • D.

      Novice

    Correct Answer
    B. Rookie
    Explanation
    A Chess player in their first year of competitive play is labeled as a "Rookie." This term is commonly used in sports to refer to someone who is new or inexperienced in a particular field. In the context of Chess, a rookie player is someone who is just starting out and has yet to gain significant experience or expertise in the game.

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  • 12. 

    What organization is the governing body for international Chess competitions?

    • A.

      IFCD

    • B.

      ICWI

    • C.

      FIDE

    • D.

      ACPI

    Correct Answer
    C. FIDE
    Explanation
    FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) is the governing body for international Chess competitions. It is responsible for organizing and overseeing tournaments, setting rules and regulations, and awarding titles such as Grandmaster and International Master. FIDE also maintains the official world rankings and ratings for Chess players.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jun 13, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 03, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Alfredhook3
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