Archive
Category: Training
How to analyse your own chess games (a simple 4-step method)
The fastest way to improve at chess is reviewing your own games. A simple 4-step method children can use after every tournament game, plus common analysis mistakes.
Basic checkmates every child must know
Queen mate, rook mate, back-rank mate, scholar’s mate and smothered mate: the checkmate patterns every young player must know, with diagrams and practice tips.
Chess tactics for beginners: forks, pins, skewers and more
Learn the tactics that win most beginner games: forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks and double checks, with board diagrams and tips to spot them.
10 common chess mistakes beginners make (and how to fix them)
Leaving pieces undefended, moving too fast, ignoring threats: the 10 most common beginner chess mistakes, why they happen, and a simple fix for each.
5 opening principles every beginner should follow
Don’t memorise openings yet. Learn the 5 principles that give you a good position in any game: centre, development, castling, queen safety and connected rooks.
How to practise chess at home: a 20-minute daily routine
A simple 20-minute daily chess routine for children: puzzles, one idea from class and one drill, plus a weekly plan, notebook method and tips for parents.