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Chess instruction for every level, covering openings, tactics, endgames, study plans and coach-led lessons for players who want to improve.
How FIDE ratings and titles actually work
Your rating is not a measure of how good you are. It is a measure of who you beat. That distinction explains almost...
Caro-Kann Defence: A Solid Answer to 1.e4
Learn why the Caro-Kann Defence works, how its pawn structure frees Black’s bishop, and which main lines matter in practical play at every...
How to Read Chess Notation Without Getting Lost
Learn the files, ranks and symbols behind algebraic notation, then use them to follow games, record your moves and feel at home at...
King’s Indian Defence: a practical guide to Black’s attack
Learn the King's Indian Defence move order, closed-centre plans, ...e5 and ...f5 attacks, risks, and world champions who made it a major attacking...
How to Set Up a Chessboard Correctly: A Beginner’s Guide
Learn the correct chessboard orientation, piece order and queen placement, plus the simple checks that prevent common beginner setup mistakes.
Castling: The Rule That Often Decides Club Games
Learn when you can castle, how kingside and queenside castling differ, and why moving your king to safety can decide a close club...
Kasparov vs Topalov 1999: The Immortal Game
Study Kasparov vs Topalov 1999 at Wijk aan Zee: the opening surprise, 24.Rxd4 rook sacrifice, king hunt and practical lessons from the complete...
En passant explained: the chess pawn capture beginners miss
En passant is chess’s most misunderstood pawn capture. Learn the three conditions, the one-move deadline and a simple way to spot it at...
Alekhine–Nimzowitsch 1930: The Zugzwang Game
Follow Alekhine–Nimzowitsch, San Remo 1930, move by move: the French Winawer, Alekhine’s Gun, the disputed blunder and the final squeeze for readers.
Stalemate, Repetition and the 50-Move Rule Explained
Learn how chess games are drawn, from stalemate and agreement to threefold repetition and the 50-move rule, and when a claim is required.
