Chess Blog
Two ways to learn: play the pattern out on a live board, or read the idea explained in full.
Interactive Lessons
All 11 lessons →Step through the key moves on a live board, then use the exact position to learn against a bot.
Interactive lessonWindmill Tactic: Alternate Checks to Win Material
Learn the windmill tactic through Torre-Lasker, replay each direct and discovered check, and see how the rook exits the cycle with a final capture.
Interactive lessonQueen vs Pawn on the Seventh: When to Move Your King
Win queen vs pawn on the seventh rank by finding the safe king step. Replay a short finish, test the early-move mistake, and spot the stalemate exception.
Interactive lessonAnastasia's Mate: Lock Both Escape Squares
Learn Anastasia's mate on an interactive board, see how the knight seals two flight squares, and test when the rook finish really works.
Interactive lessonWrong Bishop and Rook Pawn: Hold the Corner
Learn why the wrong bishop and rook pawn can draw, replay the corner fortress, spot the stalemate finish, and test the exact position.
Interactive lessonBack-Rank Mate: Test the Escape Square
Learn the back-rank mate with an interactive forced line, test the king's escape square, and see why one pawn move changes the finish.
Interactive lessonVancura Position: Draw With Side Checks
Learn the Vancura defense, replay exact side checks against an advanced rook pawn, avoid the losing passive move, and defend the same position.
Interactive lessonRook Behind a Passed Pawn: The Tarrasch Rule
Learn why a rook usually belongs behind a passed pawn, replay a verified promotion line, test the exceptions, and continue the exact endgame.
Interactive lessonRule of the Square: Know If the Pawn Queens
Learn the rule of the square on an interactive chessboard, see whether the king can catch a passed pawn, then play the exact endgame against a bot.
Interactive lessonSmothered Mate: Recognise the Knight Finish
Learn the smothered mate pattern on an interactive board, see why the queen sacrifice is forced, and finish the exact position against a chess bot.
Interactive lessonPhilidor Position: The Third-Rank Defence
Learn the Philidor position on an interactive chessboard, time the switch from the third rank to back-rank checks, then defend the draw in a full game.
Interactive lessonLucena Position: Build the Bridge
Learn the Lucena position on an interactive chessboard, build the rook bridge move by move, then finish the winning endgame against a training bot.
Latest Written Guides
All 39 guides →The written library - long-form explanations of the ideas behind the moves.
How to Play the Kingside Fianchetto and Win
Master the kingside fianchetto in chess: setup steps, winning plans, key openings, and mistakes to avoid. Your g2 bishop becomes a long-range weapon.
Protected Passed Pawn: Create It and Win
Learn how to create, protect, and convert a protected passed pawn into a win. Master this powerful positional weapon for chess games rated 800–1800.
How to Play Chess With a Pawn Chain and Win
Master pawn chains in chess — learn how to attack the head or base, which openings create them, and the plans that turn structure into victory.
How to Play Chess With a Queenside Attack and Win
Master the queenside attack in chess — learn key pawn breaks, piece placements, and strategic plans to dominate the a, b, and c files and win.
How to Play Chess With a Kingside Attack and Win
Master the kingside attack in chess — learn best openings, key tactics, piece sacrifices, and mating patterns to crush your opponent's castled king.
How to Play Chess With Rooks on Open Files and Win
Master rook activity on open files and transform your chess. Learn to identify, occupy, and dominate open files to win more games at club level.