What you need

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Free start

Free chess account (Chess.com or Lichess)1 · Lichess is 100% free with no ads. Under 13 needs parent permission on Chess.com.
$0
Smartphone, tablet or computer1 · Use what you already have.
$0 (you already have one)

Physical gear (optional)

Beginner chess set with boardoptional1 · Look for a board with 2-inch squares. Thrift stores often sell used sets for $5.
View on Amazon
$15-30
Chess clockoptional1 · Only needed later for timed or tournament games.
View on Amazon
$15-25
Notebook and pen for notating gamesoptional1 · Helps you write down and review your games.
View on Amazon
$3-5

Books (optional)

Chess for Beginners book (e.g. Logical Chess: Move by Move)optional1 · Borrow it free from your library or buy used.
View on Amazon
$12-20
Chess tactics puzzle bookoptional1 · Good once you know the basics, after about 1-2 months.
View on Amazon
$15-25

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Certificates and registration

No certificate needed

No certificate needed

You don't need any license to play chess. If you want to play in official tournaments, joining US Chess (the national federation) is recommended. It gives you an official rating. Under 18 you need a parent's consent to join and to create accounts on most sites.

Play online for free and for fun first
Ask your school or a local library about a chess club
Later, join US Chess at uschess.org if you want to play in rated tournaments
Find a local tournament on the US Chess website

Can I start right away? Go to lichess.org, click 'Learn' and finish the first lessons. Then play a game against the computer on level 1 or 2.

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What you need to know

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How the pieces move

Pawns move forward 1 square (2 on their first move) and capture diagonally. Knights move in an L-shape and can jump. Bishops move diagonally, rooks in straight lines, and the queen both ways. The king moves 1 square in any direction. Learn also castling, en passant and pawn promotion.

Piece values

Pawn = 1, knight = 3, bishop = 3, rook = 5, queen = 9. Use these points to decide if a trade is good. Don't give up a queen for a rook unless it wins the game.

Opening principles

Fight for the center with pawns on e4 and d4. Develop your knights and bishops early. Castle quickly to keep your king safe. Don't move the same piece twice in the opening and don't bring your queen out too early.

Basic tactics

Learn forks, pins, skewers and discovered attacks. Do 10 to 15 puzzles every day. Before every move, ask: What does my opponent threaten? Is any of my pieces undefended?

Checkmates and endgames

Learn the back-rank mate, the two-rook mate and king and queen versus king. Then learn king and pawn endgames. They teach you how strong the king is as the game gets simpler.

How to improve

Play longer games (10+0 or 15+10) instead of only 1-minute bullet. After each loss, look for your biggest mistake with the free computer analysis. Don't memorize long opening lines yet.

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Where to learn it

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WebseiteLichess.orgFree games, lessons, puzzles and analysis with no ads.

Webseite / AppChess.com LessonsBeginner lessons, bots and puzzles. Free basics, paid upgrades.

BuchLogical Chess: Move by Move by Irving ChernevExplains every move of 33 games in simple words.Book on Amazon

YouTubeGothamChessFun, easy lessons for beginners.

VerbandUS Chess FederationFind clubs, scholastic events and tournaments near you.

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Key websites and creators

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Websites

lichess.orgLichessFree chess server with lessons, puzzles and analysis.Visit

chess.comChess.comLargest chess site with lessons, bots and community.Visit

uschess.orgUS Chess FederationOfficial US federation for ratings, clubs and tournaments.Visit

chessable.comChessableCourses and spaced-repetition training for openings and tactics.Visit

Creators and channels

YouTubeGothamChess (Levy Rozman)Beginner lessons, openings and game reviews.Visit

YouTubeChess.comLessons, news and beginner guides.Visit

YouTubeHanging PawnsClear explanations of ideas and improvement tips.Visit

YouTubeagadmator's Chess ChannelFamous games explained in a calm style.Visit

Recommended by the AI, not paid. Please check them yourself.

Are you a creator or do you run a related website? Get featured here

06

Step by step

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Learn the rulesLearn the board setup and how each piece moves. Play a few games against a easy bot.
1-3 days
Done
Learn checkmate basicsPractice simple mates and the opening principles. Play daily games against people.
Weeks 1-4
Done
Start puzzlesDo daily tactics puzzles and learn forks, pins and skewers.
Months 2-3
Done
Review your gamesAnalyze each loss and find your mistakes. Learn one simple opening as White and one as Black.
Months 4-6
Done
Play over the boardJoin a local club or school team and play in a rated tournament.
Months 7-12
Done

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Your timeline

5

What to do when, from the first week to the first year.

Week 1
- Create a free Lichess or Chess.com account
- Learn how all pieces move and the special rules
- Play 3 to 5 games against an easy bot
Weeks 2 to 4
- Learn basic checkmates and opening principles
- Play at least one game a day
- Do 5 puzzles a day
Months 2 to 3
- Do 10 to 15 tactics puzzles daily
- Play longer games (10+0 or 15+10)
- Review your losses with computer analysis
- Look for a school or library chess club
Months 4 to 6
- Learn one opening as White and one defense as Black
- Study basic endgames
- Play over the board against friends or at a club
Months 7 to 12
- Join US Chess if you want to play in tournaments
- Play in your first rated tournament
- Work on your weaknesses found in game reviews

Downloads a calendar file with one reminder per phase, starting today (Google, Apple, Outlook).

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Product reviews

0

Experiences from signed-in users. We do not verify whether the product was purchased.

Learn chess

Guide: Learn chess