What’s the best way to improve at chess? A new study from Stanford University sheds light on the most effective practices for players across various skill levels. The study (PDF version here) Deliberate Practice and Chess Mastery: Analyzin...
Are you ready to rage against the machine and score your first win against a Chess.com Beginner bot? We're going to break down a winning game plan against bots in the 250 to 700 rating range. Get ready to plant a flag or two in the mountain, hop t...
There's no way around it—every chess game starts with the opening. These first few moves are crucial to determining how the rest of the game will go. Because of this, learning how to play the opening well can drastically improve your results...
The PogChamps 5 live in-person finals are almost starting, with the players gathering in Los Angeles to play for a first-place finish in the Championship and Consolation brackets. While it's not uncommon for people to point out how much better the...
In the past few years, I wrote a biography of the seventh world champion, Vasily Smyslov. The first volume, focused on the beginning of his chess career, is now available. I have analyzed hundreds of Smyslov’s games and tracked every step ...
Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each piece and how they can help you win games! Try The Challenges! Not what you're looking for? Go back to the video guide. Using Your Bishops: Bishops are most useful when controlling lo...
Learning basic checkmates is one of the most important things a chess player can do when starting their journey through the magnificent labyrinth of chess. By learning the following checkmates, you can avoid some quick losses and maybe even notch ...
How can you win a chess game? In this lesson and video series for beginners, NM Dane Mattson demonstrates the key checkmates that you'll want to know. Try The Challenges! Not what you're looking for? Go back to the video guide. Four-Move...
Want to know the ideas behind the most popular openings? NM Dane Mattson breaks down the key ideas behind the most popular ways to start a chess game. Try The Challenges! Not what you're looking for? Go back to the video guide. 1.e4 Op...
How should you start out a chess game? In this lesson and video series for beginners, NM Dane Mattson demonstrates the key principles that will help you get a good position early in each game! Try The Challenges! Not what you're looking for?&nb...
How can you force checkmates and win games? NM Dane Mattson will show you how! Try The Challenges! Not what you're looking for? Go back to the video guide. Pawn Race: When both sides only have kings and pawns it's essential to co...
You know how the pieces move. Now it's time to learn everything else! Follow along and learn how to win chess games! Try The Challenges! Not what you're looking for? Go back to the video guide. The Language of Chess: This video demo...
Are you ready to start playing chess? Watch these videos to learn what you need to know to get started! Not what you're looking for? Go back to the video guide. Want to skip ahead and try the quiz? Check out the challenges here! Try The...
The 2019 World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships are underway in Moscow. How to watch Dates & schedule Participants Location Prizes Time control How to watch You can follow the games here (women's games here) as part...
Background On January 1, 2018, Chess.com announced a new lessons feature. The Chess.com lessons originally ranged in level from players new to chess (0-400 rating) through advanced (1000-1600 rating). In May of 2018, the site introduced th...
The reigning Computer Chess Champion is Leela Chess Zero, the neural network heir to AlphaZero. Check out a selection of Lc0's greatest games! Try The Challenges! Not what you're looking for? Go back to the video guide. The Value Of The ...
Get your reading glasses out for this article! The number of books written about chess is tremendous. While that can be great for the chess world, it poses practical issues for many fans. Most chess players have their own favorites, but how do y...
Chess board dimensions aren't as simple as one might think. The basic geometry of the chess board isn't difficult to grasp, but chess board dimensions also include the size of the squares on the board. One of the most important aspects...
Chess has a long and storied history. The game has changed quite a bit from its earliest forms in India. The modern iteration we enjoy today wasn't known until the 16th century. There were no clocks, and the pieces were not standardized until...
There are many ways to end a chess game. Sometimes the result is clear. However, there are situations when some players have questions about the result or why the game suddenly finished. To clarify these situations, here are eight typical ways...
Chess.com is looking to recruit volunteers for a study on the effectiveness of Chess.com lessons and training. Participants will be randomized into three groups: (1) members who complete exactly one Chess.com lesson per day; (2) members w...
Chess notation is a convenient way to keep track of games, so that you can replay them to study tactics, understand mistakes, or impress your friends. Try out chess notation in your next game - you'll find that nothing is more satisfying than that...
The first few moves of a chess game can be some of the most important moves you make. In those moves, you will establish your early plans and fight for your place on the board. Most beginners don’t need to memorize exact opening moves and sh...
If you have a chess set and want to start a game, the first thing you need to do is get the board set up correctly. Lay out the light square in the bottom-right corner Set up the pawns on the second rank Put your rooks in the corners Place ...
Last year, I wrote an article intended for players rated below 1000 on Chess.com. Judging by your response, the article was helpful for people just starting at chess. Of course there were many comments that can be summarized like this: "I am rat...
