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,…

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…

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…

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!…

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…

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…

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…

Special Pawns!

Get ready for an exciting lesson on pawns! You’ll learn promotion examples, rules, and tips on using “En Passant”. Topic 1 This one is tricky, but fun! The a7 pawn wants to become a queen. But Black’s bishop is guarding…