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Learn to Play Chess

from a Novice to a Fierce Competitor

4.4

Based on 1,309 ratings

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This course takes you from your first chess moves to a player brimming with confidence who knows how to develop the forces efficiently, keep the king safe, repel the opponent's attacks, obtain an advantage early on, and checkmate your opponents.

What makes this course unique? Dr Alex is combining both, his experience as an International Chess Master and a coach, and his experience in programming teaching and adaptive systems, to give you the combination of training videos and the exercises through the 'Chess Mates Companion' software. This way, you get to apply your new knowledge in practice immediately, and learn chess in the fastest way possible.

You start playing chess in less than one hour, and build your strength from there.

If you're already a seasoned chess player, this course is not for you - but watch for the follow-up courses soon.

If you're a beginner and want to learn to play chess confidently, quickly, and with the best foundations, this course is ideal for you.

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Helps learners develop a solid foundation in chess, making it ideal for absolute beginners

Offers a unique combination of video lessons and interactive exercises through 'Chess Mates Companion' software for efficient learning

Led by Dr Alex, an experienced International Chess Master and coach, who combines his expertise in chess and adaptive systems

Provides a clear and structured learning path, enabling learners to progress from beginner to confident player

Focuses on building core chess principles, including strategy, tactics, and positional understanding

Designed specifically for beginners, making it accessible to those with no prior chess knowledge

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Reviews summary

Learn chess: novice to confident player

According to learners, this course is a highly effective starting point for anyone looking to master chess basics. Students widely praise Dr. Alex's engaging and patient teaching style. A key feature is the 'Chess Mates Companion' software, enabling immediate practical application. While excellent for true novices, some found it too basic for advanced strategies, despite the title. The course has also seen continuous updates, reinforcing its value.

Well-structured lessons build skills logically and effectively.

"The course structure builds skill logically... I'm now playing regularly with friends."

"Came in as a complete beginner and this course delivered. The explanations of openings and endgames were simplified just enough."

"Perfect for a total newbie. I loved the step-by-step approach."

Instructor actively updates content, enhancing the learning.

"The course has clearly been updated! The recent lessons on advanced tactics are a game-changer."

"I noticed a significant improvement since I first started taking this course a few months back."

"Dr. Alex keeps improving it! The recent additions are excellent."

Provides a strong foundation for absolute beginners.

"Great course for absolute beginners. The instructor is clear and the pace is perfect."

"I went from knowing nothing to playing confidently in social games. Highly recommend for true beginners."

"This course made learning chess fun and accessible... A solid foundation for anyone new to chess."

Immediate, practical application via 'Chess Mates Companion'.

"The Chess Mates Companion is a game-changer; practicing immediately really cemented my learning."

"The exercises provided by the companion software are invaluable. I particularly enjoyed the focus on practical application."

"I especially liked how the course integrates the companion software. It’s not just theory, you actually play and practice."

Dr. Alex's teaching is clear, patient, and engaging.

"Absolutely fantastic! Dr. Alex is a superb teacher, breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons."

"Dr. Alex's passion for chess shines through! His teaching style is patient and encouraging."

"I loved the step-by-step approach and the way Dr. Alex patiently explains everything."

Primarily targets novices; less suited for intermediate players.

"My only minor gripe is that after finishing, I still felt I needed more advanced strategy, but for the basics, it's outstanding."

"This course is strictly for people who literally know nothing about chess... It was too basic for me."

"Not what I expected. The description says 'fierce competitor' but it's very beginner-focused. I was hoping for more intermediate strategies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn to Play Chess: from a Novice to a Fierce Competitor with these activities:

Review the course syllabus and materials

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Familiarize yourself with the course structure and key concepts to enhance your learning experience.

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Read the course syllabus
Review the course materials

Review basic chess rules and notation

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Ensure a strong foundation by refreshing your knowledge of the essential rules and notation of chess.

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Read a chess rulebook or online resource
Practice writing chess notation

Watch a video tutorial on chess openings

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Gain insights into common chess opening strategies to improve your gameplay.

Browse courses on Chess Openings

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Find a reputable chess tutorial website or channel
Select a video tutorial on chess openings
Watch the video and take notes

Three other activities

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Play a chess game against an opponent

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Test your understanding of the fundamentals of chess by engaging in a real game scenario.

Browse courses on Chess Strategy

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Set up the chessboard and pieces
Take turns moving your pieces
Capture your opponent's pieces
Checkmate your opponent's king

Engage in a chess discussion forum

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Connect with other chess enthusiasts, share ideas, and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Chess Strategy

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Find a chess discussion forum
Join the forum and create a profile
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Attend a local chess tournament or workshop

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Immerse yourself in a competitive chess environment and gain valuable experience from skilled players.

Browse courses on Chess Strategy

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Find a local chess tournament or workshop
Register for the event
Attend the event and participate in chess matches

Career center

Learners who complete Learn to Play Chess: from a Novice to a Fierce Competitor will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chess Coach

Chess Coaches teach the rules of chess, including strategies and tactics, to students of all ages and skill levels. This course can help you become a Chess Coach by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively teach chess. You will learn how to develop lesson plans, teach basic and advanced concepts, and provide feedback to your students. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chess Coach

Chess Instructor

Chess Instructors teach the game of chess to students of all ages and skill levels. This course can help you become a Chess Instructor by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively teach chess. You will learn how to develop lesson plans, teach basic and advanced concepts, and provide feedback to your students. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

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Chess Analyst

Chess Analysts study and analyze chess games to identify patterns and develop strategies. This course can help you become a Chess Analyst by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively analyze chess games. You will learn how to identify key moves, develop strategies, and evaluate positions. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chess Analyst

Chess Player

Chess Players compete in chess tournaments and matches against other players. This course can help you become a Chess Player by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively play chess. You will learn how to develop strategies, tactics, and openings. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

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Chess Writer

Chess Writers write about chess for magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course can help you become a Chess Writer by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively write about chess. You will learn how to analyze chess games, develop story ideas, and write clear and concise prose. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chess Writer

Chess Commentator

Chess Commentators provide commentary on chess games for radio, television, and the internet. This course can help you become a Chess Commentator by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively commentate on chess games. You will learn how to analyze chess games, develop story ideas, and speak clearly and concisely. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

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Chess Tournament Organizer

Chess Tournament Organizers plan and organize chess tournaments for players of all ages and skill levels. This course can help you become a Chess Tournament Organizer by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively organize chess tournaments. You will learn how to develop a tournament schedule, find a venue, and recruit players. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

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Chess Federation Administrator

Chess Federation Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of chess federations. This course can help you become a Chess Federation Administrator by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively manage a chess federation. You will learn how to develop a budget, plan events, and communicate with members. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

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Chess Software Developer

Chess Software Developers develop software for chess players, including chess engines, databases, and training programs. This course can help you become a Chess Software Developer by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively develop software for chess players. You will learn how to design and implement chess engines, databases, and training programs. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chess Software Developer

Chess Journalist

Chess Journalists write about chess for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course can help you become a Chess Journalist by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively write about chess. You will learn how to analyze chess games, develop story ideas, and write clear and concise prose. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chess Journalist

Chess Historian

Chess Historians study the history of chess. This course can help you become a Chess Historian by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively study the history of chess. You will learn how to research chess history, analyze chess games, and write about chess history. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

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Chess Anthropologist

Chess Anthropologists study the cultural and social aspects of chess. This course can help you become a Chess Anthropologist by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively study the cultural and social aspects of chess. You will learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and write about the cultural and social aspects of chess. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chess Anthropologist

Chess Sociologist

Chess Sociologists study the social and psychological aspects of chess. This course can help you become a Chess Sociologist by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively study the social and psychological aspects of chess. You will learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and write about the social and psychological aspects of chess. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

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Chess Psychoanalyst

Chess Psychoanalysts study the psychological aspects of chess. This course can help you become a Chess Psychoanalyst by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively study the psychological aspects of chess. You will learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and write about the psychological aspects of chess. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chess Psychoanalyst

Chess Philosopher

Chess Philosophers study the philosophical aspects of chess. This course can help you become a Chess Philosopher by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively study the philosophical aspects of chess. You will learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and write about the philosophical aspects of chess. This course can also help you build a foundation in chess that you can use to improve your own game.

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Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn to Play Chess: from a Novice to a Fierce Competitor.

My System

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This classic work by Nimzowitsch is considered one of the most important books on chess strategy ever written. It covers a wide range of topics, including pawn structure, piece play, and positional judgment.

Learn to Play Chess

from a Novice to a Fierce Competitor

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Reviews summary

Learn chess: novice to confident player

Activities

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