EIGHT FREE READABLE LESSONS · FUNDAMENTALS
Chess fundamentals
one idea at a time.
Build a complete chess foundation in eight friendly lessons. Learn sound opening play, active pieces, clear plans, pins, forks, basic attacks, endgames and practical thinking.
← All free lessonsOpening
Principles
Fight for the centre, develop with purpose, castle wisely and understand pawn breaks.
Read this lesson →PIECE PLAYPiece Activity
& Imbalances
Find useful squares for every piece and compare the advantages each side has.
Read this lesson →MIDDLEGAMEMiddlegame
Plans & Tactics
Spot threats, calculate forcing moves and turn a quiet position into a clear plan.
Read this lesson →TACTIC · PINPins
Pressure on a Line
Recognise absolute and relative pins, add pressure and learn how to break the line.
Read this lesson →TACTIC · FORKForks
Two Targets at Once
Use knights, pawns, queens and kings to create double attacks that really work.
Read this lesson →ATTACKING BASICSBasic
Attacks
Scan forcing moves, find targets and count attackers and defenders before committing.
Read this lesson →ENDGAMEEndgames &
King Activity
Count accurately, centralise the king, use opposition and support passed pawns.
Read this lesson →PRACTICALPractical
Thinking
Use your time well, review your choices and build a routine that sticks.
Read this lesson →Suggested order
- Opening Principles
- Piece Activity and Imbalances
- Middlegame Plans and Tactics
- Pins
- Forks
- Basic Attacks
- Endgames and King Activity
- Practical Thinking
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