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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Sicilian Sveshnikov is a sharp variation in which Black accepts a backward pawn in return for active pieces and complicated play.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Practice essential checkmating patterns with GM Simon Williams! Learn these incredible ideas to shock your opponents and win!
Learn about the most common book chess openings and their main ideas
Get an advantage in the first few moves
Win the game by focusing your attack on the vulnerable king
Turn your advantage into checkmate.
Surprise your opponents with powerful winning moves
Keep your eyes open and capture more pieces.
Get to know the chess pieces and how to set up the board.
Learn the basic rules of chess and how to play a full game.
Explore the strengths and weaknesses of each piece
Know what to do when most pieces are off the board
Control the game by calculating a few moves ahead
See the whole board so you can decide on the best plan
Understand what makes the most popular openings great
Train yourself to discover the right plans and ideas
Make the most of each piece by finding its best square
Improve your endgame play with these winning techniques
Set your sights on the king and overwhelm his defences
Win more games with beautiful chess combinations
Learn the critical themes to win more games in the end