Get better, one move at a time.
Eight lessons from our coaches, from your first principles to the traps and endings that win tournament games. Every board on these pages is live: step through the moves, or find the winning move yourself.
Warm up
Basics
New to the club or new to chess. Learn the ideas every strong player uses, and how to write your games down.
Game Improvement
You know the rules and you want to win more games. Openings, middlegame plans and the endings you must know.
Opening Techniques
Openings for White and Black, from the Ruy Lopez to the London System, with videos and move-by-move boards.
Start lesson → Lesson 04Middle Game Tactics
Ten plans for the middle of the game: batteries, pawn breaks, outposts, rook lifts and more.
Start lesson → Lesson 05Endgame Tactics
Checkmate with a queen or rook, win king and pawn endings, and get ready for rook endings.
Start lesson →Skills & Practice
Traps to spring (and avoid), a checklist of every skill to master, and a library of great games to replay.
Chess Traps & Gambits
The Englund, the Fried Liver, the Fishing Pole and more. Spring them, and never fall for them.
Start lesson → Lesson 07Chess Skills: Your Bucket List
Every skill from 0 to 2200, as a checklist you can tick off, with a video for each section.
Start lesson → Lesson 08Games Library
Famous games and club games to replay move by move, from Morphy to Gukesh.
Start lesson →How to get the most from these pages
Before each move on a board, guess what comes next. Then press next and see if you were right.
Set the position up at home and play it out. Your hands remember patterns too.
The Bucket List keeps track of what you’ve learned on this device. Aim for one new skill a week.
Stuck on something? Bring it to the club. That’s what the coaches are there for.
Try it over the board on Saturday.
Our coaches go through these ideas in every session. Bring your questions, and your notation sheet.