ChessMake understanding a habit.
Small lessons. Real moves. Every lesson is free.
01Start here · 2 MIN
A place in the center
Give your pieces room before launching an attack.
Make the idea yours 02Piece essentials · 2 MINThe knight’s shortcut
A central knight usually has more useful squares than one on the edge.
Make the idea yours 03Piece essentials · 2 MINFind the open diagonal
Open diagonals give bishops something useful to do.
Make the idea yours 04Piece essentials · 2 MINThe open file
Use open files to give your rooks reach.
Make the idea yours 05Piece essentials · 2 MINPower with a purpose
Look for forcing moves: checks, captures, then threats.
Make the idea yours 06King safety · 3 MINWhen your king is in check
King safety comes before every other plan.
Make the idea yours 07King safety · 3 MINTwo pieces, one safe king
Develop your pieces and castle before the center opens.
Make the idea yours 08Special moves · 2 MINA pawn’s second act
Passed pawns become stronger as they approach promotion.
Make the idea yours 09Special moves · 3 MINThe passing capture
En passant is an immediate opportunity, not a lasting right.
Make the idea yours 10Tactical vision · 3 MINTwo threats at once
Check the squares from which your knight attacks both valuable targets.
Make the idea yours 11Tactical vision · 3 MINSpot the escape square
A checkmate has no legal reply at all.
Make the idea yours 12Endgame basics · 3 MINLet the kings do the work
Bring your king forward while leaving the enemy king no easy path.
Make the idea yours