Latest guides
26 guides
The London System: One Opening You Can Play Every Game
Learn the London System for beginners — a solid, flexible opening for White that sidesteps most theory and works against almost any Black setup.
August 19, 2026
En Passant Explained: Chess's Most Confusing Pawn Rule
En passant lets you capture a pawn that just moved two squares, as if it only moved one. Here's exactly how it works and when you can use it.
August 17, 2026
Where to Play Chess Online for Free
The best free chess sites and apps for beginners — compare Chess.com, Lichess, and others to find where to start playing today.
August 14, 2026
King and Pawn Endgames: The Fundamentals
Learn king and pawn endgame basics: the opposition, the square rule, and when a pawn wins or draws against a lone king.
August 12, 2026
How to Use Open Files and Put Your Rooks to Work
Learn how open files in chess give your rooks real power—and how to find, claim, and use them to pressure your opponent.
August 10, 2026
Skewers in Chess Explained (and How They Differ From Pins)
Learn what a chess skewer is, how it differs from a pin, and how to spot and execute this powerful tactic in your own games.
August 7, 2026
The Italian Game: A Friendly First Opening for White
Learn the Italian Game opening for beginners. Three natural moves, solid center control, and clear plans make it one of the best first openings for White.
August 5, 2026
Castling in Chess: The Rules, and When You Can't Do It
Learn exactly how castling works in chess, the 5 conditions that must be met, and when the rules prevent you from doing it.
August 3, 2026
The Best Way to Practice Chess Tactics With Puzzles
Learn how to practice chess tactics effectively with puzzles. A practical guide to tactics training that actually improves your game.
July 31, 2026
How to Checkmate with Two Rooks (the Ladder Mate)
Learn the two rook checkmate (ladder mate) step by step. Push the enemy king to the edge and deliver checkmate with this beginner-friendly endgame technique.
July 29, 2026
Good Bishop vs Bad Bishop (and the Bishop Pair)
Learn what makes a bishop good or bad, why the bishop pair is a real advantage, and how to use this in your own games.
July 27, 2026
Pins in Chess: How to Trap Your Opponent's Pieces
Learn what a chess pin tactic is, the difference between absolute and relative pins, and how to use them to win material in your games.
July 24, 2026
How to Control the Center in the Chess Opening
Learn why controlling the center in chess matters, which pawns to push, and how knights and bishops work together to claim e4, d4, e5, and d5.
July 22, 2026
How to Set Up a Chess Board the Right Way
Learn exactly where every chess piece goes before a game, including the queen-on-her-color rule and which direction the board faces.
July 20, 2026
How to Get Better at Chess: A Beginner's Improvement Plan
A practical plan to improve at chess fast: tactics puzzles, game review, openings, and the habits that actually move your rating up.
July 17, 2026
How to Checkmate with King and Queen vs King
Learn the king and queen checkmate step by step. Drive the lone king to the edge, coordinate your pieces, and deliver mate without stalemating.
July 15, 2026
Understanding Pawn Structure for Beginners
Learn how pawn structure shapes your chess strategy. Discover doubled pawns, isolated pawns, and passed pawns with clear beginner examples.
July 13, 2026
The Fork in Chess: One Move, Two Threats
A fork attacks two pieces at once, forcing your opponent to lose material. Learn how to spot and execute this key chess tactic.
July 10, 2026
The Best Chess Openings for Beginners (White and Black)
The best chess openings for beginners—simple, solid, and easy to learn. Covers top choices for White and Black with move-by-move guidance.
July 8, 2026
How the Chess Pieces Move: A Beginner's Guide to All Six
Learn exactly how each chess piece moves, from the powerful queen to the tricky knight, with clear rules and practical tips for beginners.
July 6, 2026
How to Read and Write Chess Notation (Algebraic Notation)
Learn algebraic chess notation in minutes. Read and write moves like 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3, understand symbols, and follow game scores with confidence.
July 3, 2026
Chess Endgames for Beginners: Where to Start
Learn the basic chess endgames every beginner needs: king activity, key checkmates, and pawn promotion. Start here and win more games.
July 1, 2026
Chess Strategy for Beginners: How to Actually Make a Plan
Learn basic chess strategy and how to make a plan in chess. Simple tips beginners can apply right away to stop drifting and start playing with purpose.
June 29, 2026
Chess Tactics for Beginners: The Patterns That Win Games
Learn the basic chess tactics every beginner needs—forks, pins, skewers, and more—with clear examples you can use in your next game.
June 26, 2026
Chess Opening Principles: The 3 Rules Every Beginner Needs
Master chess opening principles with 3 simple rules: control the center, develop your pieces, and castle early. Start every game on the right foot.
June 24, 2026
How to Play Chess: The Complete Rules for Absolute Beginners
Learn how to play chess from scratch. This guide covers the board, every piece's moves, check, checkmate, and special rules — all in plain English.
June 22, 2026