Knowing the colour of every square on a chessboard

Here's how you can find out the colour of every single square on a chessboard.Firstly assign a number to the letter that the square begins with based on it's position in the alphabet,so A becomes 1,B becomes 2,C becomes 3 and so on.Next put that number next to the number that the square has in it.So square a3 becomes 1,3.Square h7 becomes 8,7 and so on.If both those numbers are odd or if both those numbers are even the square is black,if not the square is white.

You'll end up knowing the colors automatically after playing for a while.

Not necessarily.You can be playing all your life and not know the colours of the squares automatically.

                  Your boards have colors??   I gotta get out more often!

Well, I'm wondering if I even need to know the colors of the squares. Maybe if I were stronger, idk.

I've already learned the colors of some squares, though. I know that when setting up the board, it's "white on right". So I know that h1 and a8 are white (and also every square on that diagonal). Conversely, I know that a1 and h8 are black (and also every square on that diagonal).

I've also noticed that the normal squares for the knights' first moves fall on these two diagonals. f3 and c6 are on the long white diagonal, and c3 and f6 are on the black diagonal.

Also, for the center four squares, I know that e4 and d5 are on the white diagonal, and d4 and e5 are on the black diagonal.

I can also use the aforementioned squares as "anchor squares". For example, if I know that f3 is white, then it's easy to know that f4 is black. So even though I haven't tried to memorize all of the square colors, I already know some of them.

It's not a matter of being able to figure out the colors, even if it only takes a split second.  You have to know these colors instinctively.  No "translation" necessary.  When someone says "f7" you know its a light square, not "well, I know f6 sits on the long dark diagonal between h8 and a1, so f6 is dark, so f7 must be light."

That being said, what is the benefit of knowing the square colors?

I've "heard" it improves board vision and calculation -- but does it really?  How is that even possible? 

all u need to remember is h1 is white, then u can figure out the rest

That's what I was wondering. When Chucky stares at the ceiling and calculates variations, is he seeing colors? Does it help him?

Learning the colors of the squares is a good exercise in visualization, especially for novices. If, for instance, you are playing blindfold you should be able to tell whether the B on c1 or the B on f1 can eventually attack the N on b6.

So yes, learning the colors of the squares is a useful tool. I imagine every GM and most masters can work out the color of any given square very quickly.

I have learned a simple rule:  A, C, E, G == odd number is black, even is white.

for example, A3 is black, C2 is white.

B1 is white, D2 is black.

You can practice here  http://chesseye.alexander-fleischer.de/o/

How about looking at a chessboard.

Well, maybe if you do not play often, but it usually comes with practice.

You remember the first and last row instinctively, then you know the other squares by some openings. For instance you know b5 is the same color as f1 (ie White) because of the Ruy Lopez's 3.Bf1-b5.

Well, if you are a visual oriented learner

http://www.chess.com/blog/OldChessDog/i-see-chess-positions

Sometimes you don't even have to go back to the first rank.  Play enough King's Indians and you'll have a burned in image of White's c4, d5, e4 pawn wedge all on light squares.

MikeRichie, Building on your method, you can calculate it by the sum of the coordinates.  Even is dark squares; odd is light squares.

Yeah thats right

#YOLO

29 minutes ago · Quote · #15

ghostofmaroczy

MikeRichie, Building on your method, you can calculate it by the sum of the coordinates.  Even is dark squares; odd is light squares.

+1

It's so difficult...it's like winning the lottery. Every square is either black or white. So to guess 50% for 64 guesses it becomes exponential ;-(

Once you see the pattern, you can determine what color i19 is on a 20x20 board.

...or you could just open your eyes and look... 

However, on a more serious note, I'd be interested to learn how blindfold chess players visualize the board, and what sort of system they use.