Keywords
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Chess basics – Fundamental rules and concepts, such as how the pieces move and how to checkmate.
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Tactics puzzles – Short challenges focused on improving calculation and pattern recognition.
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Opening principles – Simple ideas like controlling the center, developing pieces, and ensuring king safety.
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Online lessons – Digital tutorials or videos that teach chess concepts step by step.
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Practice games – Informal matches, often online, to apply skills and test strategies.
Getting Started: Learn to Play Chess
James Eade, 2016. Book.
- This playful and approachable guide breaks chess down into easy steps, making it perfect for students just starting out or those wanting to brush up on their game. It uses humor and clarity to explain the basics, from piece movement to beginner strategies. It removes the intimidation factor of learning chess and makes the lessons fun and easy. This book also offers useful tips for improving and avoiding common mistakes. Trusty companion for anyone looking to start their chess journey confidently.
How to win at chess: The ultimate guide for beginners and beyond
Levy Rozman, 2023. Book.
- Written by a popular chess streamer, this energetic guide delivers modern, relatable chess advice for new players. It blends more practical instruction with fun anecdotes, making it engaging for chess players used to learning in a digital environment. The book helps readers grasp basic tactics and avoid pitfalls, all while keeping the tone encouraging for lost beginners. It's a great way to connect with the current chess scene, while still working on building those foundational skills.
US Chess Federation, n. d. Web page.
- This official chess site offers authoritative beginner instructions, from rules and piece movements to simple strategies. It's a clear and straightforward explanation that provides a reliable starting point for anyone curious about the game. It's a trusted reference and big association within chess that players can return to as they progress. The site also links to other helpful resources and official events like tournaments. Great foundation for building chess competency and joining the larger chess community.
Lichess.org, n.d. Website.
- Lichess is a free, open-source online chess platform where students can play, learn, and practice at any level. It offers tools like lessons, puzzles, and tournaments, all in a welcoming global community. It's a great hands-on experience and gives new chess players a chance to immediately use what they've learned. The site also tracks progress and provides challenges to motivate improvement. If you are looking for a good tool for beginners and aspiring players alike, check out this resource.
Want to Play a Game?
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Chess.com: offers live chess games, daily puzzles, lessons, tournaments, and a vibrant community for players of all levels. As an all-in-one resource, this is a great option for beginners and seasoned players alike to practice their chess knowledge by playing against others or bots, watching instructional videos, or reading articles on every chess topic imaginable.
Search Tip: Try the “analysis board” feature after games to review your moves with a built-in engine, or use the site's “opening explorer” to study common openings. A basic account is free (premium upgrades add more features but for a cost), and it's accessible on the web or mobile app. Help | Support
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Lichess: free, open-source chess server that is completely ad-free and run by a non-profit. All features are available to everyone at no cost, and you can play anonymously or rated games, solve chess puzzles, analyze games, participate in tournaments, or explore chess variants. Unique tools like “study mode” let you collaborate on game analysis or learn from interactive lessons created by the community.
Search Tip: Use the “opening explorer” to see master games and statistics for any sequence of moves, and try out “puzzle streak” or “puzzle storm” for a fun tactics workout. Everything is saved to your account so you can track improvement over time. Help | Support
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Chess Tempo: online chess training platform known for its tactics puzzles and its featured game database with specific training tools. The site's database includes over 2 million games and powers its puzzles and opening explorer. This means you can solve a puzzle, and then click to view the entire game it came from, which is a great way to connect practice with researching games and openings. You can use most features without an account, and a free login lets you track your progress, set up custom sets, and do unlimited challenges.
Search Tip: Try the “mixed mode” training, which intermixes tactics and endgames, or use the “analysis board” to play out positions. Many advanced features are available on premium, but the free features are generous and plenty to get started. Help and Support