Coordinate Trainer
Knowing the board coordinates by heart is the foundation of chess fluency. This trainer tests your ability to quickly locate any square on the board. Choose between clicking a named square or identifying a highlighted one. Track your score, streaks, and improvement over time.
Professor Archer says: When I started playing at forty, I could not tell you where f6 was without counting from a1. Within a few weeks of daily practice - just five minutes a day - the coordinates became second nature. This trainer does for you in minutes what took me weeks with a physical board. The key is consistency, not marathon sessions.
Features
- Two training modes: click the square or name the square
- 60-second timed drills with scoring
- Track streaks and personal bests
- Toggle board coordinates on/off for difficulty
- Works with both white and black perspective
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I learn chess coordinates?
Knowing coordinates instantly allows you to follow game notation, discuss positions with other players, study openings from books, and think about the board more efficiently. It is the chess equivalent of knowing the alphabet - everything else builds on top of it.
How long does it take to memorise the coordinates?
Most players can identify any square within 2-3 seconds after about a week of daily 5-minute practice sessions. Full fluency - where coordinates feel automatic - typically takes 2-4 weeks of regular training. The key is short, consistent sessions rather than long, infrequent ones.
Should I practice from both sides of the board?
Yes. When you play as Black, the board is flipped and the coordinates run in the opposite direction visually. Practicing from both perspectives ensures you can follow notation and think about positions regardless of which colour you are playing.