Chess Armory Introduction to Chess Course

Chess Armory's
Introduction to Chess

This course is designed to give you a thorough introduction to the game of Chess. Our first lesson, The Rules, is for new players and maybe a review if you're already familiar with the game. You can always skim through it or go to the quiz sections to test your knowledge.

What is the best way to use this course?

Each lesson builds on the instruction from the previous one. We recommend going through the lessons in order and taking all the quizzes. With Chess, it's important to practice what you learn in the course. We recommend setting up an account with lichess or chesscom so you can practice.

In addition to practicing online try to play "over the board" as well, it's a different feel when you play with your opponent across from you, and if you're interested in getting into a chess club or tournament, you should get accustomed to playing on real boards.

Even though there are 5 hours of instruction in this course, it's not enough to dive deep into the different topics. Chess is a large subject, with a lot of material to cover, the goal of this course is to give you a solid foundation for getting started and playing solid games you can learn from.

The Lessons

Lesson 1 - The Rules

In this lesson we cover the basics of the game, how the pieces move, how to value pieces, and the different ways a game can end. If you are new to chess, definitely start here.

Lesson 2 - Basic Checkmates

In this lesson, we cover many checkmate patterns that are important to recognize in your games. This type of pattern recognition is invaluable to progress in chess.

Lesson 3 - Chess Tactics

Here we introduce fundamental tactics that all serious chess players must know, including pins, forks, skewers, and more.

Lesson 4 - Opening Principles

The basic building blocks of a strong opening are explained with examples. This knowledge is critical for outmaneuvering your opponent in the opening game.

Lesson 5 - Two Openings

Two classic openings are taught in this lesson, the Ruy Lopez and the Queen's Gambit. We've chosen these stalwart openings to begin building your repertoire.

Lesson 6 - Strategy

Make every move count, in this lesson, we cover the value of having a strategy and always playing with a goal in mind.

Lesson 7 - Calculation

Calculation refers to a thinking process used by advanced players to quickly analyze and execute a move. It's a disciplined approach to mitigate missed opportunities.

Lesson 8 - Endgame

With only a few pieces left on the board, your King is thrown into action and every move counts. The endgame is less forgiving to blunders than the rest of the game.

Lesson 9 - Endgame Exercises

Let's practice what we've learned. In this lesson, you were presented with different positions for you to analyze. Take your time and when you are ready listen to the explanation.

Lesson 10 - Analyzing Your Games

To seriously advance in chess requires study and the ability to analyze games. Going through your games allows you to see your strengths and weaknesses.