Learn chess basics

Tour home

LEARN

The basics of chess

This holiday season, get a head start on your goals for the new year with this introductory chess course. Learn the basics and begin your journey to chess mastery!

1. Know the board

1 minute

Get to know the board. An introduction to the 64 squares on the chess board.

1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

2. Know your pieces

2 minutes

Do you know the pieces and how they move? Learn about the movement of each of the pieces.

1
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

3. En Passant

1 minute

A special move! In certain situations the pawn can capture your opponent’s pawns in a unique way.
1
2
3
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

4. Promotion

1 minute

If your pawn reaches all the way to the opposite edge of the board, you have the chance to promote it.
1
2
3
4
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

The next step in training.
Meet Magnus Trainer. Free.

Practice what you learned with Magnus Trainer, a fun way to continue learning chess through engaging games and interactive lessons with Magnus Carlsen, the World Chess Champion!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

5. Check

1 minute

Learn about checks and what you should do when your king is in check.
1
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

6. Checkmate

1 minute

What happens when the king is attacked and has no way out?
1
2
3
4
5
6
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Now that you know a few basics

Time to meet a World Champion

FREE for a limited time: Join former World Champion Viswanathan Anand as he guides you on how to start games of chess with the best moves. Additionally, he’ll help you explore openings that might suit your personal tastes

Open Tips from a World Champion

FREE

How do you get good at chess? What are the next steps in learning chess? We recommend exploring the world of openings! Openings are the initial moves made in chess!

Get it now
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

7. Castling

2 minutes

Another special move! Keep these rules in mind before you castle.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7
8
9
10
11
12

8. Draw

2 minutes

Sometimes a game ends without a winner or loser. How?
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
10
11
12

9. Basic Checkmates

2 minutes

Now you know all the basic terms and rules. Onto some tactics: elementary checkmates!

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
9
10
11
12

10. Tactics / Double attack

1 minute

Now onto one of the most famous tactics in chess, the double attack.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
12

You’re now ready to train some more tactics. Meet Tactics Frenzy.

Practice double attacks, checkmates, and much more with Tactics Frenzy and use your new skills to solve unique, entertaining and high-quality chess puzzles for monthly prizes!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

11. Openings

2 minutes

The first phase of a chess game is very important. Here are some simple ideas for the opening.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
11
12

12. Basic endgames

2 minutes

The endgame is critical for deciding the outcome of the match. Keep in mind these principles when you reach the final stages of the game.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
12

Congratulations! You have made it and know the basics of chess. What's next?

Check out the special deals we have selected for you below to help you continue your chess adventure.

40% OFF CHESS24 PREMIUM

Take your chess to the next level

chess24 is the site for playing chess, following the most exciting tournaments and shows, and interacting with a community of chess fans and the world’s best players.
Get 40% off

Use code LEARN40

CHESSABLE

Chessmass deals

You have met Chessable already, but besides those awesome free courses Chessable has even more in-depth courses from the biggest Grandmasters and authors in the world. Currently Chessable has a massive Christmas sale!

Go to deals

COCHESS

Kickstart your chess journey with a coach

CoChess is the first ever online chess coaching platform featuring hundreds of the world’s best coaches. Level up your learning with your own chess coach or join a Masterclass series!

Learn more

Stay up to date with new learning opportunities!

Menu

Play Magnus Group

Newsletter

Receive the latest tour updates
in your mailbox

Social