Chapter 1 | The Chessboard and the Pieces
- Understand the layout of the chessboard and learn the names and positions of each piece.
- The foundation for everything to come in your chess journey.
Chapter 2 | How the Pieces Move
- Discover how each chess piece moves across the board.
- Movement rules are the basics for planning your strategy.
Chapter 3 |
Special Moves
- Learn castling, en passant, and pawn promotion.
- These unique rules often change the course of the game.
Chapter 4 |
The Life of a Chess King
- Explore the strategic value and vulnerability of the king.
- The safety of your king is the game's core principle.
Chapter 5 | Mate in One Move
- Practice spotting one-move checkmates.
- Helps sharpen your tactical awareness.
Chapter 6 | Mate by a Queen
- Understand patterns of delivering checkmate using the queen.
- Leverage the queen's power in decisive attacks.
Chapter 7 | Mate by a Rook
- Learn common checkmate setups using one or two rooks.
- Master rook coordination in endgames.
Chapter 8 |
Mate by Two Bishops
- Execute mate using the harmony of two bishops.
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A classic example of long-range power.
Chapter 9 |
Basic Mate Configurations
- Explore essential mating patterns every player should know.
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These occur frequently in real games.
Chapter 10 |
Introduction to Chess Openings
- Learn basic principles of opening play.
- Helps you develop your pieces and control the center.
Chapter 11 |
Introduction to Chess Middlegames
- Discover how to transition from opening to middle play.
- Focus on tactics and piece activity.
Chapter 12 |
How a Game Can End
- Know the various outcomes in chess: checkmate, draw, stalemate.
- Prepares you for all possible results.
Chapter 13 | Combination Basics
- Understand how to create tactical combinations.
- Key to launching successful attacks.
Chapter 14 |
The Sacrifice
- Learn when and why to give up material for a bigger gain.
- Sacrifices can lead to brilliant wins.
Chapter 15 |
The Deflection
- Force an opponent’s piece off a key square.
- This tactic is useful for gaining material or delivering checkmate.
Chapter 16 |
The Decoy
- Lure Opponent pieces into traps or vulnerable positions.
- Great for setting up combos and threats.
Chapter 17 | The Pin and the Skewer
- Master two of the most powerful tactical weapons.
- Useful in both offense and defense.
Chapter 18 |
Typical Combinations 1
- Study commonly occurring tactical themes.
- Strengthens your calculation and foresight.
Chapter 19 |
Typical Combinations 2
- Deepen your understanding of advanced combinations.
- Builds pattern recognition in complex positions.
Chapter 20 |
Development Tales
- Learn the importance of rapid development.
- Time matters—develop fast, control the game.
Chapter 21 |
The Safety of the King
- Master techniques to protect your king.
- Good defense is as important as a strong attack.
Chapter 22 | The Centre
- Understand the power of central control.
- All strategies revolve around the center.
Chapter 23 |
Activity
- Learn how to keep your pieces active and aggressive.
- Activity trumps passive play.
Chapter 24 |
Pawn Structures
- Study typical pawn formations and their strengths/weaknesses.
- Pawn structure shapes your entire game plan.
Chapter 25 |
Introduction to Chess Endgames
- Get introduced to basic endgame concepts.
- Endgames win games—don’t ignore them.
Chapter 26 |
The Basics of Pawn Endgames 1
- Focus on king and pawn endgames and opposition.
- Critical for turning small advantages into wins.
Chapter 27 |
The Basics of Pawn Endgames 2
- Continue exploring key pawn endgame techniques.
- Reinforces practical skills in simplified positions.
Chapter 28 | The Basics of Rook Endgames
- Learn fundamental rook endgame strategies.
- These are the most frequent endgames you'll face.
Chapter 29 |
The Basics of Knight Endgames
- Study knight vs. pawns and knight coordination.
- Knights are tricky—know their strengths.
Chapter 30 |
The Basics of Bishop Endgames
- Focus on bishops of same and opposite colors.
- Learn when to push for a win or settle for a draw.
Chapter 31 |
The Basics of Queen Endgames
- Tactics-heavy endgames where precision is key.
- One mistake can cost the game.
Chapter 32 |
Open Positions
- Strategies and piece activity in open games.
- Use open lines to dominate your opponent.
Chapter 33 |
Closed Positions
- Learn patience and long-term plans in blocked positions.
- Slow and steady wins the positional race.
Chapter 34 |
Semi-Open Positions
- Blend the ideas of open and closed play.
- Adapt your strategy based on pawn breaks and plans.
Chapter 35 |
Gambits
- Study how to sacrifice material in the opening for quick development.
- Great for aggressive players seeking early initiative.
Chapter 36 | Beginner Course – Achievement Test
- Test your knowledge from all 35 chapters.
- A checkpoint to validate your progress.