Best Chess Books to Improve from 800–1600 Rating

If you’re an adult improver between about 800 and 1600, this guide gives you a clear, practical reading plan: which books actually move the needle, why they work, how to study them, and which physi...

Improve Your Chess Tactics with a 20-Minute Daily Routine

Table of Contents Introduction: Why Tactics Decide Games The Psychology Behind Chess Tactics Setting Up Your 20-Minute Routine Step 1: 5 Minutes of Warm-Up Puzzles Step 2: 10 Minutes of P...

Master the Sicilian Defense: Plans, Ideas & Traps

Table of Contents Why learn the Sicilian Defense? The big-picture pawn skeletons (quick reference table) Main Sicilian families: short profiles Concrete, practical plans — White vs Black (b...

Endgame Essentials: King & Pawn Fundamentals

Table of Contents Why king and pawn endgames matter The anatomy of a king-and-pawn ending Opposition: the central rule Key squares and the concept of promotion zone Outside passed pawn: h...

How to Play Chess: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Learn the rules, piece moves, board setup, and starter strategy—everything a beginner needs to play chess confidently today. Whether you’ve just unboxed your first chess set or you’re trying the ga...

Chess in Culture: How Chess Sets Reflect Art, History & Identity

Discover how chess sets carry cultural significance—from design motifs to historical materials and symbolic pieces.