24 Jun '06 07:17>
Okay, ranks are the diagonal rows on the board and files are the vertical rows. Is that right?
Originally posted by Harry00Nope it's not right. Ranks are horizontal (1st rank, 2nd rank, 3rd rank,etc) files are vertical (a-file, b-file, c-file, etc) and diagonals are diagonal (a1-h8 diagonal, a2-g8 diagonal, etc).
Okay, ranks are the diagonal rows on the board and files are the vertical rows. Is that right?
Originally posted by Harry00"Rank and file" is a military image, referring to the ordinary soldiers who would, in times past, march and fight in rectangular formations. The cannon fodder, as opposed to the officers.
Just a thought: Any realation to rank and file on chess board and rank and file in labor?