Best Chess Learning Websites in 2026
The internet is full of chess resources. Here are the ones that actually help you improve.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: The internet gave chess players more learning resources than any generation before us ever had. The challenge now is not finding material — it is choosing the right material for where you are right now.
Overview
Learning chess online has never been easier or more confusing. There are hundreds of websites, apps, YouTube channels, and courses all promising to make you a better player. Some deliver on that promise. Many do not.
This guide focuses on websites that genuinely help players improve, with honest assessments of who each site serves best. We prioritize platforms that offer structured learning over those that simply host content.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Old School Chess | Chess.com | Lichess | Chessable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Style | Coached | Self-paced | Self-directed | Memorization |
| Content Focus | Fundamentals | All topics | All topics | Openings |
| Personalization | Adaptive coaching | Learning paths | None | Spaced repetition |
| Price | Free to start | Freemium | Free | Freemium |
| Best For Level | Beginner–Intermediate | All levels | All levels | Intermediate+ |
Detailed Review
Old School Chess stands out for its coaching approach. Rather than providing a library to browse, it guides you through concepts in a structured way. Professor Archer's instruction adapts to your level, making it feel like having a personal teacher available whenever you want to learn.
Chess.com's learning section is the most comprehensive in volume. Thousands of lessons cover every conceivable topic. The quality is generally high, especially the video content from grandmasters. The challenge is navigation — knowing which lesson to take next among thousands of options.
Lichess's studies feature is a hidden gem. The community has created thousands of interactive studies on topics from basic openings to advanced endgame theory. Quality varies, but the best studies rival anything on paid platforms.
Chessable specializes in opening repertoire training using spaced repetition — the same learning technique used in language learning apps. If you want to build and maintain an opening repertoire, it is uniquely effective. Courses from top grandmasters are available, though premium ones can be pricey.
Who Should Use What?
If you want coaching and clear direction, start with Old School Chess. It is designed for learners who want guidance.
If you want the broadest library of lessons and are comfortable choosing your own path, Chess.com is unmatched in content volume.
If you want free, high-quality tools and community resources, Lichess is remarkable.
If you want to seriously study openings, Chessable's spaced repetition system is the most effective method available online.
The ideal setup for most improvers: one platform for coaching or lessons, one for play, and one specialized tool for a specific weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I study openings as a beginner?
Focus on fundamentals first: tactics, basic endgames, and general principles. Opening study becomes more valuable once you consistently reach middlegame positions where the opening choices matter.
Are YouTube chess channels good for learning?
Some are excellent. Channels that explain thought processes and concepts are more valuable than those showing flashy tactics. The best YouTube content supplements structured learning but should not replace it.
How much should I spend on chess learning?
You can improve significantly spending nothing at all using Lichess and free resources. If you choose to spend money, a single subscription to one platform or a few well-chosen courses provides more than enough material.
Professor Archer says: I tell my students: pick one resource for each area of your game. One for tactics, one for openings, one for understanding. Do not collect resources like trophies. Use them.
Quick Quiz
What learning technique does Chessable use for opening study?
- Live video coaching sessions - Chessable is not a live coaching platform. It uses a self-paced study model.
- Spaced repetition for memorization (Correct) - Correct. Chessable uses spaced repetition, presenting moves at increasing intervals to build long-term memory. This technique is backed by cognitive science research.
- Playing games against strong engines - Chessable focuses on studying and memorizing moves, not on playing against engines.
- Reading traditional chess books online - While some Chessable courses are based on books, the platform uses interactive move-by-move training, not traditional reading.