What are Chess Pieces or Chessmen?

Pawn

It is clear that the pawn is so called because it is - a foot soldier - infantry. In other countries, too, the pawn is usually called a soldier. In Germany Pawn called "Bauer", which means not a soldier, but a farmer.

In the beginning of the game each player has eight pawns.

 

Knight

 

In the days of old this piece was depicted as a horseman. Then by simplicity there was only a horse. Many countries continue to call it as knight rider, rider: in French - cavalier, in English - knight. The Germans call it Springer - horse.

In the beginning of the game each player has two Knights.

Bishop

In ancient chess it was a figure depicting war elephant with a rider. In Russia, it has become "an elephant."

In other countries, this piece received more honors: Bishop - in England, runner (Läufer) - in Germany, in Bulgaria and Greece - an officer.  

In the beginning of the game each player has two Bishops.

Rook

In ancient India, Rook was a chariot. In ancient Persia it began to depict a bird. Frenchmen call it “tour”.

In the beginning of the game each player has two Rooks.

Queen

In medieval Europe, Persian "Vizier" has become a "queen". This figure is now a walk in all rows, columns and diagonals over any distance.

The queen, of course, each player has one.

King 

 

Chess king in all languages represents a supreme ruler.
In England – King, in Germany - König, in France – roi.