Chess Lessons - Learn with Online Courses

PogChamps Tactics

Pogchamps 1 and 2 have been huge tournaments with some of the top streamers in the world. See if you can find the tactics that decided many of their games!

NM

Jeremy Kane

4 Lessons

Mastery - Beginner

Learn the Queen's Gambit Exchange Variation

The Exchange Variation is a popular way for White to meet the Queen's Gambit Declined. White fixes the pawn structure at an early stage and often prepares the minority attack. This course also examines the active Tarrasch Defense and the solid Semi-Tarrasch.

Learn the Queen's Gambit Declined

The Queen's Gambit Declined is an extremely solid opening for Black and it's no coincidence that it's been played by nearly every World Champion. Learn the plans and tactics for both sides.

Learn the Queens Gambit: Cambridge Springs and Orthodox Defense

Frequently in the Queen's Gambit Black aims for an early c5 to contest the white pawn center. However, two solid systems, the Cambridge Springs Defense and the Orthodox Defense feature a black pawn triangle on c6, d5 and e6. The Cambridge Springs features many traps and the Orthodox is extremely solid. This course explains the key ideas and tactics in both key variations.

Learn the Ruy Lopez: Tricky Systems

Learn about some of the less popular, but nevertheless, interesting variations in the Ruy Lopez. These include the romantic Schlieman Variation, the positional Exchange Variation and the exciting Open Variation.

Learn the Closed Sicilian

Don't want to jump into an open game with immediate tactics in the Sicilian? Try the Closed Sicilian, where White can delay a tactical skirmish and start a powerful kingside attack, but Black is not without good counter chances.

Learn the Sicilian with 2...e6

2...e6 is a flexible move that can lead to the Sicilian Taimanov, the Sicilian Kan, the Pin Variation and even the Sicilian Four Knights. Watch this video to learn how to play either side of this flexible Sicilian setup.

Learn the Sicilian: Alapin Variation

The Alapin Variation of the Sicilian Defense is a logical attempt for White to avoid the complexities of the Open Sicilian. White aims to control the center, but risks falling behind in development. Learn the key ideas in this important variation for both sides.

Learn the Sicilian Dragon

The Sicilian Dragon is a fire-breathing opening! If you're looking for a complicated and fighting line to play against 1.e4, this might be the line for you. If you play 1.e4 and want to know how to handle the Dragon, you'll also want to take a look.

Learn the Ruy Lopez Marshall Attack

Learn how to play the Ruy Lopez Marshall Attack for both White and Black. The Marshall gives Black great attacking chances at the cost of a pawn, leading to exciting play.

Learn the Semi-Slav Defense

The Semi-Slav is one of Black's best counter-attacking options against 1.d4. Some lines are solid and others are among the most complicated in all of chess.

Learn the Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense

In the Berlin Defense White can force a complicated endgame or head for open play. It's considered one of Black's most solid defenses against the Ruy Lopez.

Learn the King's Indian Defense

The King's Indian Defense is possibly Black's best way to play for a win against 1.d4. White gets a space advantage, but Black frequently gets a powerful kingside attack in a blocked position.

Learn the Sicilian Sveshnikov

The Sicilian Sveshnikov is a sharp variation in which Black accepts a backward pawn in return for active pieces and complicated play.

Learn the Sicilian Najdorf

The Najdorf is a sharp and complicated opening full of attacking potential for both sides. This is a great opening if you enjoy imbalances, opposite-side castling, and if you need to play for a win as Black.

Your First Tournament

Love online chess and want to play a tournament? That's great! GM Ben Finegold will walk you through the differences between online and tournament play to get your ready for the event.

Mastering the Endgame

IM Anna Rudolf covers basic king and pawn endings that you should know well, along with more complicated endgames by top players that you can emulate. Learn how to activate your king and win with just a few pieces left on the board.

Games That Changed Chess History

Learn about the moments that changed the history of the game with IM Anna Rudolf, starting with the oldest recorded game and showing some of the greatest rivalries chess history! Learn history and strategy from the legends of the past.