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beginner chess
Beginner Guides
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...
Chess Basics
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.
Chess Basics
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...
Chess Basics
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...
Openings
Three Opening Principles Every Beginner Should Follow
Learn how to claim the centre, develop with purpose and castle safely, while understanding when a chess opening rule may need to bend.
