A chessboard row is a line of eight squares on a chessboard. It consists of two RANKS, which are the horizontal rows of squares, and eight PAWNS and one MATE. The RANK is the row of squares that the pieces are placed on, while the RANKS are the two rows of squares that the pieces move between. The PAWNS are the most numerous pieces on the board, and they can only move forward one square at a time. The MATE is the most powerful piece on the board, and it can move in any direction.