How many pieces are there on the board at the start of a game of chess?

At the start of a game of chess, there are 32 pieces on the board because each player begins with 16 pieces. These include one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. Each player's pieces are placed on opposite sides of the board, totaling 32 pieces, setting the stage for the strategic and tactical battle that unfolds throughout the game.