Explore the world of chess and discover the creativity behind it!

First Moves, Part 2

Let’s review the basics of development and why you want to avoid running your queen around the board! Topic 1 If your queen is brought out to the middle of the board too soon, she’ll end up spending all her…

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First Moves, Part 1

Let’s delve into the first few moves of a game and all the tactical maneuvers that come with it. Topic 1 Like most pieces, a knight is more powerful in the center. Count how many squares the white knight controls,…

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Checkmate!

Now that you know how the pieces move and what a check is, it’s time to learn how to WIN at chess by getting a CHECKMATE! Topic 1 You win the game when one of your pieces says “check,” and…

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Check!

Let’s see how great you are at attacking the king and giving check! Topic 1 Danger! The white king is under attack! One of Black’s pieces is checking the white king. Which one is it? The black bishop was checking…

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The Windmill!

The “windmill” tactic is when you repeatedly check your opponent’s king using discovered attacks – capturing pieces as you go round. Topic 1 Here’s how the “windmill” works. Just sit back and watch the Black pieces get swept off the board!…

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How Do I Castle?

Discover the power of your king in his castle! Learn the special moves of “castling” to set your king up for success. Topic 1 Castling is the only move in chess where you can move two pieces at the same…

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Stalemate!

In this lesson, we’re diving into the difference between stalemate and checkmate. Topic 1 When a king has nowhere to go, but is not in check, it is stalemate! A stalemate is a draw or a tie. If you have a big…

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Back Rank Mates

Discover a killer checkmating pattern to seize victory when your opponent’s king hides behind their castle walls. Topic 1 A back rank checkmate happens often when the king is castled. Sometimes a rook or queen can sneak all the way…

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