A B C D E F G-H I-L M-N O P Q-R S T U-Z

Queening: See Promotion.

Queenside: That half of the board made up of the four files originally occupied by the Queen, Q-Bishop, Q-Knight and Q-Rook. The queenside stands to White°s left and Black°s right.

Quiet Move: A move that is neither a capture, a check nor a direct attack.

Rabbit: A humorous (slightly insulting) term for a non-master.

Rank: A row of eight squares. The seventh rank in particular is the subject of much activity, especially when a Rook settles there. Control of the seventh rank is considered to be an important advantage.

Rating: See Elo Rating.

Refutation: A move or series of moves that demonstrates a flaw in a game, move, variation, analysis or plan.

Resigns: Realizing the hopeless nature of a position and not wanting to insult the intelligence of the opponent, a player can surrender the game (resign) without having to wait for a checkmate.

Resignation occurs in the vast majority of tournament games, while actual checkmates are quite rare.

Risk: A double-edged sword. A move, plan or opening variation that aims for advantage while carrying the danger of a disadvantage.

Romantic: The romantic era (macho era) of chess was a time when sacrifice and attack was considered to be the only manly way to play. If a sacrifice was offered, it was a disgraceful show of cowardice to refuse; thus, many beautiful sacrificial games were recorded simply because proper defensive techniques were not understood. That was in the 1800’s. Today, a player who is termed romantic is one who has a proclivity for bold attacks and sacrifices, often throwing caution to the winds.

A B C D E F G-H I-L M-N O P Q-R S T U-Z