Why does White get the first move in chess?

The "White moves first" rule is an immutable rule in chess today. But few people know how this rule was formed.

The White move first rule was proposed by Mr. Johann Löwenthal and Mr. Steinitz, before being officially applied by FIDE - Photo: FIDE

The rule that the player holding the light-colored pieces (White) makes the first move is one of the most basic rules, recognized by FIDE (International Chess Federation).

1. Historical origins and unification of law

The White-first rule was established as chess became a professional sport . Before the 19th century, the choice of color and which piece to go first was completely random, usually decided by lot.

However, to create uniformity in major tournaments, pioneering grandmasters have spoken out.

First of all, we must mention Johann Löwenthal (British grandmaster of Hungarian origin). In 1857, at the First American Chess Congress, he officially proposed the rule that the White player must make the first move.

Then in 1889, in his book The Modern Chess Instructor , it was Steinitz, the first world chess champion, who strongly supported the White-go-first rule, stating: “In all international or public chess games and tournaments, the rules stipulate that the player who goes first must have the White pieces.”

Steinitz's assertion laid the foundation for the modern rules of the game. Today, this rule is formalized in the FIDE Laws of Chess: "Article 1.2 The player with the light-colored pieces (White) makes the first move, followed by the player with the dark-colored pieces (Black), and thereafter moves alternately."

Thanks to the promotion from these figures, the White-first rule gradually became widely accepted, then became an official and universal rule standardized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), ensuring fairness throughout tournaments.

2. Does White have an advantage if he goes first?

However, the White army going first causes a lot of controversy, because the side going first will have the advantage in terms of initiative and control of the game from the very first moment.

Specifically, the first move allows White to decide on the opening form (e.g. e4, d4, c4), occupy the center and force Black to react and defend.

Experts and chess engines estimate that moving first gives White a small advantage, usually quantified at around 0.3 to 0.5 points. Although small, this advantage is enough to make a difference in high-level games where every move is carefully calculated.

Additionally, if the players remain tied in the official matches, they will have to enter the Armageddon round - a do-or-die match where the rules are designed to force a winner.

In this decisive game, White, with the advantage of moving first, is given more time (usually 5 or 6 minutes), but faces pressure to win.

In contrast, Black gets less time (4 or 5 minutes) and enjoys a decisive advantage. If the game ends in a draw, Black is declared the winner. This unique rule creates extreme fairness and drama, ensuring the final winner is decisive.

TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-quan-trang-duoc-uu-tien-di-truoc-trong-co-vua-20251111115533632.htm