White goes first in standard chess. Black then makes a move, and the players alternate turns for the rest of the game. Having White is determined before play; it does not depend on who sets up the board, who owns the pieces, or who won the previous game.
“White” and “Black” identify the two sides even when a physical set uses different colors. The lighter army normally represents White, and the darker army represents Black.
What the official rule says
Article 1.2 of the FIDE Laws of Chess states that the player with the light-colored pieces makes the first move. The other player moves next. Neither player can pass a turn simply because they prefer not to move.
The first move must be legal. In the standard starting position, only pawns and knights can move because the other pieces are blocked. There are twenty legal choices: sixteen pawn moves and four knight moves.
That count includes each available one-square or two-square pawn advance as a separate choice. It does not mean there are twenty pieces available to move.
How players choose their colors
In a friendly game, agree on a fair method before starting. You might draw lots, randomly assign the colors, or alternate colors across several games. Avoid changing the assignment after someone has seen the opponent's intended opening.
In an organized tournament, use the published pairing and color assignment. Players do not normally choose their color at the board. Follow the organizer's procedures if you think the pairing is wrong rather than starting a game with the colors reversed.
When playing a match with a friend, switching colors between games gives both players experience making the first move and responding to it.
Does moving first guarantee an advantage?
White has the first opportunity to influence the position. That initiative matters, but it does not force Black to lose. A legal game can end in a win for either side or in a draw.
For a beginner, noticing threats and keeping pieces safe is more useful than assuming a color will decide the result. White can lose quickly after weakening the king; Black can obtain a good position through sensible development and accurate replies.
There is no need to memorize a long opening before making your first move. Start with the principles in beginner opening plans, and ask what the opponent's response changes.
Read the first move in notation
In 1. e4 e5, White plays e4 and Black replies e5. The number identifies a full move containing one turn by each player. A move written 1...e5 identifies Black's reply specifically.
Board orientation does not change the assignment. Flipping a digital board lets you view it from the other side; it does not make Black move first. Read chess notation to connect the move list with the squares.
Check custom positions separately
A study position can have Black to move even though a new standard game begins with White. A FEN records that information with w or b in its side-to-move field. Follow the position's instructions instead of assuming every puzzle starts with White.
For a normal game, set up the board and let White begin. On the computer-play page, choose White to make the opening move or Black to let Stockfish start. Both choices use the same standard rules.