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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.

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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.

Enroll now

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
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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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
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
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
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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Show all six activities
Play a chess game against an opponent
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
Connect with other chess enthusiasts, share ideas, and learn from their experiences.
Browse courses on Chess Strategy
Show steps
  • 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
Immerse yourself in a competitive chess environment and gain valuable experience from skilled players.
Browse courses on Chess Strategy
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
This monthly publication that contains the latest chess news, games, and analysis. It is an excellent resource for players who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the chess world.
Comprehensive guide to chess endgames. It covers all aspects of the endgame, from basic checkmates to complex drawn positions.
Collection of annotated games that demonstrate the principles of logical chess. It is an excellent resource for players who want to improve their decision-making skills.
Collection of 100 endgame positions that every chess player should know. It is an excellent resource for players who want to improve their endgame technique.
Comprehensive guide to chess for beginners. It covers all the basics of the game, from the rules to the different pieces to the basic strategies.
Is another comprehensive guide to chess for beginners. It covers all the basics of the game, but it also includes some more advanced topics, such as endgames and openings.

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