5 free Chessable courses for chess improvers (FREE FOR REAL!)
“IN THIS ECONOMY???” is a valid answer to almost any question because, well, we do live in this economy.
Chess isn’t exactly a goldmine for most of us, well, not for me…! That’s why I’m always on the hunt for free resources.
My most loyal readers know I can’t stop talking about libraries. You’re probably tired of hearing me sing their praises, but, hey, they’re one of the last places on Earth where you can walk in empty-handed and walk out with something for free.
And, American readers, make the most of them while you can. I wouldn’t be surprised if some politicians tried to shut them down because they get offended that a pawn can transform into a beautiful queen.
Also, that would be assuming the pawn’s gender in the first place!
When I first got into chess, I saw the name “Chessable” pop up from time to time. On my first visit, I was quickly prompted to pay for a pro membership. So, I did a u-turn. I assumed the site was only for paid content.
It wasn’t until I decided to procrastinate on my work that I signed up for a free account and discovered that there are actually free courses available. Proof that sometimes, procrastination does pay off!
Most of the time, free stuff is bad stuff. It’s sometimes the case here. I’ve come across content that’s either too basic or too short to offer any real value. But surprisingly, some of the free courses are actually excellent!
For this list, I’ve rounded up five free courses that bring the most bang for your non-buck.
Bonus - Everything you need to know about chess
If you’re completely new to chess, this one’s for you. Sure, there are some good YouTube videos out there to teach you the basics, but Chessable goes a step further by putting every concept into practice, quizzing you on what you’ve just learned at every step.
I’m not entirely sure a total newbie would stumble onto Chessable and actually create an account, but if they do, they’ll be more than happy they did. It’s one of the best ways to learn chess from scratch!
It's a fun chesstorial! (chess-tutorial? Anyone?)
1 - Basic Endgames
A few months ago, I told you my endgames were awful. Thanks to this course, they’re finally starting to make sense.
This course is pretty thorough. Although it starts with basic concepts like opposition, it dives deep pretty quickly. With 181 variations, 19,818 words, and “basic” in the title, it’s anything but simple.
I actually paused several variations to review later since they’re too complicated or theoretical for the almost 1400 rapid rating I am.
My endgames aren’t perfect yet, but I’ve reviewed the pawn ending sections so much that I rarely blunder in those situations anymore.
With my endgame getting better, I only need to work on my pawn structures, my openings, my middlegames, my knight-bishop imbalances, my time management, my study plan and my tactics. I'm almost there!
2- Smithy’s Opening Fundamentals
If you browse through Chessable’s courses, you’ll notice how expensive their video courses can be. That’s why it’s pretty great to find an excellent video course available for free!
You might think a 51-minute video course wouldn’t offer much, but the author goes far beyond the typical “two pawns in the center” tips. He teaches you to think deeper and to actively look for tactics.
No matter what opening you play, this course teaches you to stay on the lookout for early advantages in the game. Get better at your openings without opening your wallet!
3- Typical Tactical Tricks: 500 ways to win!
Say hi to your first “book” on tactics. Come near. Don't be affraid. It doesn't bite. (I think).
This course is especially useful for players on their journey to reach 1000 in rapid Elo. Since the free membership on Chess.com offers only a limited number of puzzles each day, having 500 puzzles for free to kickstart your chess journey is a big deal.
Each chapter focuses on a specific tactic, which makes them easy to remember and easier to spot as you progress through the course. What I particularly love about this free course is that the final chapter is a mix of all the tactics you’ve learned.
If you’re aiming to reach 1000 Elo, give it a look. it’ll definitely help you get there!
4- Queen on the Attack
Intermediate and advanced players, I have not forgotten about you.
Queen on the Attack focuses on the most powerful piece in the game. With over 220 variations, the course ramps up in complexity quickly. (complexity in a good way!)
If you want to try out the position from the screenshot, here it is:
Once you’re done with this one, note that [insert a piece name here] on the Attack is part of a series of puzzles and concepts to optimize your piece placement.
You can check for free:
Pawn on the Attack: https://www.chessable.com/pawns-on-the-attack/course/16989/
Bishop on the Attack: https://www.chessable.com/bishops-on-the-attack/course/16571/
Knight on the Attack: https://www.chessable.com/knights-on-the-attack/course/16475/
Rooks on the Attack: https://www.chessable.com/rooks-on-the-attack/course/16988/
And even… King on the Attack: https://www.chessable.com/king-on-the-attack/course/16860/
Yes, the most important piece finally has its own course!
5- Your favorite opening
Okay, so, there isn’t a course called “Your favorite opening”... yet.
What I mean is: you can search for your favorite opening and then apply the “free” filter. If multiple options come up, go with the highest-rated one.
As improvers, we probably don’t need a massive book on our opening that goes 15 moves deep into every sideline. What we really need is a solid understanding of how to start our games.
It’s also a great way to explore an opening without having to pay just to find out if it suits you. Ever wanted to try the Evan's Gambit without losing games? Try a free course on the subject first!
Personalize your chess journey with a course that suits your style and starting kicking pawns right from the opening!
So, just with those few courses, you have weeks (if not months) of free training!
Everybody, say it with me: YAYE FOR FREE IMPROVEMENT!
I said everybody, that includes you, one the in the back with your arms crossed. Say it with everyone: YAYE FOR FREE IMPROVEMENT!
As I told you, I do puzzles a lot on my phone. If you're like me, it's good that know that the website works pretty well on mobile. I now always have a tab open to Chessable. I'm always ready to learn (I say this like a boxer always looking for a fight).
Little plug: If you’re a French speaking chess player, make sure you subscribe to my Instagram and TikTok account since I’ll be posting fun content soon!
See you soon everybody!
❤️
