Chess Guides & Articles

In-depth articles on chess improvement, lifestyle, psychology, and getting started at any age.

All Guides (123)

Why Does Controlling the Center Matter? - The single most important positional principle every chess player must understand.
Why Do We Develop Knights Before Bishops? - Understanding the classic guideline that shapes how we begin every chess game.
Why Should You Castle Early? - King safety is not optional — it is the foundation everything else is built on.
Why You Shouldn't Move Your Queen Out Early - Your most powerful piece can become your biggest liability if deployed too soon.
Why Scholar's Mate Is a Bad Strategy - The four-move checkmate that only works when your opponent does not know it is coming.
Why Do Most Chess Games Start with e4 or d4? - The two most popular first moves in chess history, and why they earned that reputation.
What Should I Think About on Each Move? - A practical mental checklist that turns chaotic thinking into clear decision-making.
What to Do After the Opening in Chess - The transition from opening to middlegame is where most improving players get lost.
Why Is a Knight on the Rim Dim? - The old saying holds true — knights on the edge of the board are almost always misplaced.
Why Are Doubled Pawns Bad? - When two of your pawns end up on the same file, structural problems follow.
Why Is a Rook on the 7th Rank So Powerful? - A rook that reaches the seventh rank becomes one of the most dominant forces on the board.
Why Is Pawn Structure Important? - Pawns are the soul of chess — they define the character of every position.
Why Do Strong Players Sacrifice Pieces? - The art of giving up material to gain something even more valuable.
Why Is the Bishop Pair an Advantage? - Two bishops working together cover every color — and create threats that a bishop and knight simply cannot match.
Why Is the King Active in the Endgame? - The piece you spent the whole game hiding becomes your most powerful weapon once the queens are gone.
Why Can't You Checkmate with King and Bishop Alone? - A single bishop, no matter how well handled, simply cannot build a mating cage — and understanding why teaches you about piece limitations.
Why Is Opposition Important in King and Pawn Endings? - A simple-looking concept that decides thousands of endgames — the battle for who must step aside first.
Why Are Rook Endgames the Most Common? - Rooks are the last major pieces to enter the game and the last to leave — which is exactly why you need to study them.
Why Do Grandmasters Resign Early? - It looks like there is plenty of game left — so why does a professional chess player tip their king and shake hands?
Why Is 1200 Considered a Beginner Rating? - You have learned the rules, you have played hundreds of games, and you are still called a beginner? Here is why — and why that is perfectly fine.
Why Does My Rating Drop After Studying? - You studied openings, solved puzzles, read a book — and now you are losing more than before. This is not only normal, it is a sign of growth.
Why Is Chess Rated Differently on Different Websites? - Your Chess.com rating says one thing, Lichess says another, and FIDE says something else entirely. Here is why none of them are wrong.
Is It Too Late to Learn Chess at 30, 40, or 50? - The short answer is no. The long answer is also no — and here is why age is far less of a barrier than you think.
How Much Time Should I Spend Studying Chess Daily? - Quality beats quantity, but consistency beats everything — here is how to build a study routine that actually works.
Rapid vs Blitz — Which Is Better for Learning? - Speed is thrilling, but does it actually teach you chess? A clear-eyed look at what each time control offers to a developing player.
Chess Anxiety - How to Overcome the Fear of Losing - Practical strategies to manage nerves and play your best chess under pressure.
How to Handle Losing Streaks in Chess - Every player hits a rough patch. Here is how to get through it without losing your love for the game.
Why Adults Improve Slower Than Children (And Why That's Fine) - Understanding the science behind age and chess improvement so you can set realistic, motivating goals.
How to Enjoy Chess Without Caring About Your Rating - Rediscover the joy of chess by shifting your focus from numbers to the beauty of the game.
Chess and the Brain - Cognitive Benefits for Adults - What research suggests about how chess may strengthen memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.
Chess Rules for Kids - A Simple Guide - A clear, friendly explanation of chess rules written for young players and the parents helping them learn.
How to Teach Chess to a 5-Year-Old - Age-appropriate methods to introduce the youngest learners to chess through play and storytelling.
How to Teach Chess to a 7-Year-Old - At seven, children are ready for real chess instruction. Here is how to structure their learning.
Chess for Teenagers - Getting Serious - How teens can take their chess to the next level with structured training, competition, and goal-setting.
Best Chess Sets and Apps for Children - A parent-friendly guide to choosing the right physical chess set and digital tools for young players.
Chess in Schools - Curriculum Guide - How schools can integrate chess into their programs to boost academic performance and critical thinking.
Chess Benefits for Children's Brain Development - The science behind how chess strengthens young minds and supports academic success.
A Parent's Guide to Chess Tournaments - Everything you need to know to support your child through their first chess competition.
What Beginners Can Learn from Gukesh's Rise - From a 2300-rated twelve-year-old to the youngest World Chess Champion in history at eighteen - lessons from Gukesh Dommaraju's extraordinary journey.
How India Became a Chess Superpower - From Viswanathan Anand becoming India's first GM in 1988 to Gukesh winning the World Championship in 2024 and India winning Olympiad gold, the rise of
Praggnanandhaa's Training Methods and Rise to the Top - How the youngest-ever World Cup finalist and first GM sibling trained at Chess Gurukul to become India's number one player.
Chess for Indian Children - Getting Started - A guide for Indian parents looking to introduce their children to chess and navigate the vibrant Indian chess ecosystem.
How to Get a FIDE Rating in India - A step-by-step guide to earning your first international chess rating through the Indian chess system.
How to Prepare for Your First Chess Tournament - A complete preparation guide to help you walk into your first tournament feeling confident and ready.
Chess as a Career - What You Need to Know - An honest look at the realities, opportunities, and challenges of pursuing chess professionally.
The Queen's Gambit Effect - How a Show Changed Chess - On October 23, 2020, Netflix premiered a seven-episode series that drove 3.2 million people to join Chess.com, boosted chess set sales by 87%, and bro
Does Chess Make You Smarter? - Separating fact from myth about the relationship between chess and intelligence.
Chess and Dementia Prevention - What research tells us about the role of chess and mentally stimulating activities in maintaining brain health as we age.
Chess for ADHD - Focus and Executive Function - How chess can serve as a supportive tool for developing focus, patience, and self-regulation in individuals with ADHD.
Chess for Autism - Social and Cognitive Benefits - How chess provides a structured, comfortable environment for social interaction and cognitive development for autistic individuals.
How Many Calories Does Chess Burn? - The surprising science behind the metabolic cost of intense mental effort during a chess game.
Chess Study Routine for Working Adults - A realistic, time-efficient study plan designed for people who love chess but have limited hours in the day.
Benefits of Learning Chess Later in Life - Why starting chess as an older adult is one of the best decisions you can make for your mind, your social life, and your sense of purpose.
Chess and Business Strategy - Real Parallels - An honest examination of what chess actually teaches about strategic thinking in the business world.
Best Chess Books for Beginners - A curated reading list to take you from casual player to confident competitor.
Best Chess Books for Intermediate Players - Level up your game with these essential reads for the improving player.
Best Chess YouTube Channels for Beginners - Learn chess for free with these entertaining and educational channels.
Essential Chess Equipment - Everything you need to play, study, and compete - from boards to clocks.
Chess Gift Guide - Ideas for Every Level - Thoughtful gifts for the chess player in your life, from stocking stuffers to premium sets.
Isolated Pawn - Complete Guide - Understand when an isolated pawn is a weakness and when it becomes a weapon.
Doubled Pawns - Complete Guide - Learn when doubled pawns are a liability and when they secretly help your position.
Backward Pawn - Complete Guide - Identify, exploit, and avoid the backward pawn in your games.
Passed Pawn - Complete Guide - A passed pawn is a powerful asset. Learn how to create, advance, and use it to win.
Pawn Chains Explained - Master the pawn chain - one of the most important structures in chess strategy.
Hanging Pawns Explained - Two pawns side by side with no neighbors - dynamic strength or enduring weakness?
Connected Pawns Explained - Connected pawns support each other as they advance - learn to use them effectively.
Pawn Islands Explained - Fewer pawn islands usually means a healthier structure. Learn why and how to count them.
Pawn Majority Explained - A pawn majority on one side of the board can decide the game. Learn how to use it.
Pawn Breaks Explained - Pawn breaks open lines and change the character of the position. Master this essential skill.
How Chess Ratings Work - The Elo System - Understand the math behind your chess rating and what it actually measures.
FIDE vs USCF vs Online Ratings - Why your rating differs across systems and how to compare them.
Chess.com vs Lichess Ratings Explained - Why your rating looks different on each platform and what the numbers really mean.
What Is a Good Chess Rating? - Rating benchmarks to help you understand where you stand and where to aim.
How to Get a FIDE Rating - Step-by-step guide to earning your official international chess rating.
Rating Inflation and Deflation - Why average ratings change over time and what it means for your number.
Why Your Rating Drops After Studying - The frustrating truth about the learning curve and why dips are actually progress.
Fastest Path to a 2000 Rating - A realistic roadmap for reaching the 2000-level milestone in competitive chess.
How to Read Chess Notation - The universal language of chess - learn to read and write moves in algebraic notation.
Chess Notation Symbols - Complete Reference - Every symbol and annotation mark you will encounter in chess notation, explained.
How to Keep Score in a Tournament - Recording your moves correctly is a tournament requirement and a study tool.
Descriptive vs Algebraic Notation - The old and the new - understanding both systems for reading classic chess literature.
Reading Annotated Chess Games - How to learn from master annotations and get the most out of commented games.
How to Prepare for Your First Chess Tournament - Everything you need to know before stepping into your first competitive event.
Tournament Time Controls Explained - Understand bullet, blitz, rapid, and classical time controls and how they shape the game.
Tournament Rules Every Player Must Know - The essential rules that govern competitive chess - avoid costly mistakes.
Pre-Tournament Training Schedule - A structured training plan for the weeks leading up to a competitive event.
Managing Tournament Nerves and Anxiety - Practical techniques for staying calm and focused during competitive play.
What to Bring to a Chess Tournament - A complete packing list so you arrive prepared and comfortable.
Chess Etiquette - Unwritten Rules - The customs and courtesies that make chess a gentleman's game.
When Should You Resign? - Knowing when to tip the king is a skill that comes with experience.
Online Chess Etiquette - How to be a good sport in the digital chess world.
Dealing with Cheating in Online Chess - How platforms detect cheaters, what to do if you suspect one, and how to protect fair play.
Chess for Seniors - Getting Started - It is never too late to learn chess or return to the game you played years ago.
Women in Chess - History and Champions - Celebrating the achievements of women in chess and the push for greater inclusion.
Chess as Corporate Team Building - How chess workshops bring coworkers together and sharpen strategic thinking.
Chess in Schools - How to Start a Program - A practical guide for educators who want to bring chess into the classroom.
Chess for Veterans - How chess provides community, mental stimulation, and therapeutic value for veterans.
How to Start a Chess Club - A step-by-step guide to building a thriving local chess community.
Running a Chess Tournament - A practical guide to organizing a local chess tournament from start to finish.
Chess for People with Disabilities - How chess adapts to include everyone - accessible equipment, formats, and organizations.
World Chess Championship - History and Format - The most prestigious title in chess - how it works and why it matters.
The Candidates Tournament - The elite event that determines who challenges for the World Championship.
Chess Olympiad - What It Is and Why It Matters - The world's largest team chess event - where nations compete for chess glory.
New Year Chess Improvement Plan - Start the year right with a structured plan to grow your chess skills month by month.
Summer Chess - Camps, Tournaments, and Outdoor Play - Make the most of the summer months with chess camps, open-air events, and seasonal fun.
How to Play Chess - A Complete Beginner's Guide - Everything you need to know to sit down and play your very first game of chess, explained simply and without jargon.
Common Beginner Mistakes in Chess (And How to Fix Them) - Every new player makes these mistakes. Learning to avoid them is your fastest path to improvement.
Chess Terms Every Beginner Should Know - A friendly glossary of essential chess vocabulary, explained in plain language without any intimidation.
How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Chess? - Honest, encouraging timelines for adult beginners who want to know what to expect on their chess journey.
Your First Chess Game - Tips for Complete Beginners - Practical, encouraging advice for sitting down to play your very first game without feeling overwhelmed.
Chess for Absolute Beginners - Where to Start - If you have never touched a chess piece in your life, this is the page written specifically for you.
Learning Chess After 50 - It's Never Too Late - Why your fifties are actually a wonderful time to discover chess, and how to get started with confidence.
Chess After 60 - A Perfect Hobby for Retirement - Discover why chess is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can pick up in your sixties and beyond.
Chess After Retirement - Why Retirees Love This Game - How chess fills the gap that work leaves behind, with purpose, challenge, and community.
Is Chess Good for Your Mental Health? - How chess supports emotional well-being, cognitive fitness, and a calmer, more focused mind.
Chess for Couples - A Game You Can Enjoy Together - Why chess is one of the best shared hobbies for partners, and how to start without competitiveness ruining the fun.
Chess and Community - Finding Connection Through the Game - How chess creates genuine friendships and combats loneliness through shared passion and structured social interaction.
Best Chess Movies and TV Shows - A curated guide to the finest chess stories on screen, from gripping dramas to heartwarming documentaries.
Famous Chess Scenes in Movies - The most memorable moments where chess took center stage on the big screen and what makes them so compelling.
Is Beth Harmon Based on a Real Player? - The fascinating real-world chess players and stories that inspired the beloved character from The Queen's Gambit.
Chess in Popular Culture - From Harry Potter to Marvel - How chess has woven itself into the stories, games, and cultural moments that define our entertainment landscape.
Celebrities Who Play Chess - From Humphrey Bogart hustling chess in New York parks to RZA on the cover of Chess Life magazine, famous chess lovers prove this game is truly for eve
Chess and Music - Surprising Connections - From RZA practicing three hours daily to Ray Charles playing by touch, musicians and chess share a deep bond built on pattern recognition and discipli