What is a column on a chess board?

Answer 1

The Chess words for "columns" and "rows" are "files" and "ranks"

We talk about white pieces on the 8th "row" as being on the "back rank"

Also if a pawn has moved from a "column" so that a rook can attack down it, this is referred to as an "open file."

Answer 2

line This site will explain it.

Here's a diagram showing the pieces from Black's side of the board. Note that row number '8 is closest to Black and that column 'h' is on the left.

* http://chess.about.com/od/beginners/ss/ble12set_5.htm

Answer 3

File
A column on a chess board (the row of squares moving from one player up the board toward the other player is called a "file".