Chess: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
How to Set Up a Chess Board
How to correctly place the board and pieces at the start of a chess game.
How to correctly place the board and pieces at the start of a chess game.
10 Chess Openings to Know
A list of the most common chess openings.
A list of the most common chess openings.
How to Play Chess
A complete guide on how to play chess, including the basic rules of chess.
A complete guide on how to play chess, including the basic rules of chess.
Every Move: Opera House Game
Paul Morphy's famous Opera House Game is presented, with each move by each side explained.
Paul Morphy's famous Opera House Game is presented, with each move by each side explained.
Guide to the Chess Pieces
The first step towards playing chess is learning how each piece moves. Each of the six pieces moves differently, and this guide will help you understand how to use each one.
The first step towards playing chess is learning how each piece moves. Each of the six pieces moves differently, and this guide will help you understand how to use each one.
Five Ways to Improve at Chess
Learn the five best ways for novice chess players to improve their chess.
Learn the five best ways for novice chess players to improve their chess.
Basic Chess Tactics
A guide to basic chess tactics, including forks, pins and skewers.
A guide to basic chess tactics, including forks, pins and skewers.
Basic Checkmates
A guide to ten basic checkmates that every chess player should know, presented as a series of mate-in-one problems.
A guide to ten basic checkmates that every chess player should know, presented as a series of mate-in-one problems.
Common Sicilian Lines
A guide to the most common lines seen in the Sicilian Defense, a chess opening.
A guide to the most common lines seen in the Sicilian Defense, a chess opening.
The Rules of Chess
A quick guide to the rules of chess, with links to more detailed information on chess rules.
A quick guide to the rules of chess, with links to more detailed information on chess rules.
Common Ruy Lopez Lines
Some of the most common variations in the Ruy Lopez opening.
Some of the most common variations in the Ruy Lopez opening.
World Chess Champions
A list of the world chess champions throughout chess history.
A list of the world chess champions throughout chess history.
Fool's Mate
A move by move guide to the fastest checkmate in chess, the Fool's Mate.
A move by move guide to the fastest checkmate in chess, the Fool's Mate.
Special Rules
A quick guide to the chess rules that cause new players the most trouble: castling, promotion and en passant.
A quick guide to the chess rules that cause new players the most trouble: castling, promotion and en passant.
Basic Opening Principles
Learn the basic principles of playing chess openings properly.
Learn the basic principles of playing chess openings properly.
Basic Tournament Chess Rules
Before you play in your first tournament, learn some of the most important rules in competitive chess.
Before you play in your first tournament, learn some of the most important rules in competitive chess.
Check, Checkmate and Stalemate
While many beginners may confuse them because they look similar at first glance, check, checkmate and stalemate are very different situations. It is important to be able to identify each and understand what they mean.
While many beginners may confuse them because they look similar at first glance, check, checkmate and stalemate are very different situations. It is important to be able to identify each and understand what they mean.
Understanding Chess Notation
Learn how to read and write algebraic chess notation.
Learn how to read and write algebraic chess notation.
Lines in the Italian Game
A description and guide to the common openings lines which can be reached from the Italian Game.
A description and guide to the common openings lines which can be reached from the Italian Game.
Strategy: Using the Bishops
Learn how to use the bishop in chess. Improve your chess strategy with this tutorial on bishops.
Learn how to use the bishop in chess. Improve your chess strategy with this tutorial on bishops.
Relative Piece Values
Learn how much each piece is worth in chess, from the pawn to the queen and king.
Learn how much each piece is worth in chess, from the pawn to the queen and king.
Viswanathan Anand
A profile of World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand.
A profile of World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand.
Today's Best Chess Players
A guide to the best chess players today, including the top chess players in the world.
A guide to the best chess players today, including the top chess players in the world.
Checkmates: King and Queen
Learn how to checkmate with a king and a queen, one of the most basic endgame checkmates in chess.
Learn how to checkmate with a king and a queen, one of the most basic endgame checkmates in chess.
Tactics
Short, forced sequences of moves which can be calculated and lead to an advantage, usually the gain of material. Examples of tactical themes include forks, pins, and skewers.
Short, forced sequences of moves which can be calculated and lead to an advantage, usually the gain of material. Examples of tactical themes include forks, pins, and skewers.
Understanding Chess Ratings
Learn what chess ratings are, and how to earn a chess rating.
Learn what chess ratings are, and how to earn a chess rating.
Candidate Moves
Learn what a candidate move is, and how candidate moves can help you improve your chess.
Learn what a candidate move is, and how candidate moves can help you improve your chess.
Bobby Fischer by K. Muller
A review of the book Bobby Fischer: The Career and Complete Games of the American World Chess Champion, by Karsten Muller.
A review of the book Bobby Fischer: The Career and Complete Games of the American World Chess Champion, by Karsten Muller.
Review: St. Petersburg 1909
A review of the 21st century edition of Emanuel Lasker's tournament book of St. Petersburg 1909.
A review of the 21st century edition of Emanuel Lasker's tournament book of St. Petersburg 1909.
Paul Morphy
Paul Morphy is widely considered the greatest chess player of his era, and is often referred to as an unofficial World Champion.
Paul Morphy is widely considered the greatest chess player of his era, and is often referred to as an unofficial World Champion.
The World Chess Championship
A brief history of the World Chess Championship.
A brief history of the World Chess Championship.
Wilhelm Steinitz
A profile of the first World Chess Champion, Wilhelm Steinitz.
A profile of the first World Chess Champion, Wilhelm Steinitz.
Chess - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Chess guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Chess guide site.
Vasily Smyslov
A profile of former World Chess Champion Vasily Smyslov.
A profile of former World Chess Champion Vasily Smyslov.
Rapid Chess
Chess games which are longer than blitz games, but shorter than standard tournament games. A typical time control for a rapid game might be 25 minutes for each player.
Chess games which are longer than blitz games, but shorter than standard tournament games. A typical time control for a rapid game might be 25 minutes for each player.
Popular Chess Variants
A list of popular chess variants, with basic explanations of their rules of play.
A list of popular chess variants, with basic explanations of their rules of play.
Garry Kasparov
A profile of former chess player and world chess champion Garry Kasparov.
A profile of former chess player and world chess champion Garry Kasparov.
Let's Play Chess (Pandolfini)
A review of the chess book Let's Play Chess by Bruce Pandolfini
A review of the chess book Let's Play Chess by Bruce Pandolfini
Time Management
Learn how to better manage your time during a chess game. Time management is an important, but often overlooked, chess skill.
Learn how to better manage your time during a chess game. Time management is an important, but often overlooked, chess skill.
Top 5 American Chess Players
A look at the five best chess players in history from the United States, as chosen by About.com readers.
A look at the five best chess players in history from the United States, as chosen by About.com readers.
Top 5 French Chess Players
A list of the best French chess players of all time, as voted by About Chess readers.
A list of the best French chess players of all time, as voted by About Chess readers.
Gambit
An opening in which one player willingly gives up a pawn (or occasionally more) in exchange for better development, the initiative, or other compensation.
An opening in which one player willingly gives up a pawn (or occasionally more) in exchange for better development, the initiative, or other compensation.
Bobby Fischer
A profile of former World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer.
A profile of former World Chess Champion Bobby Fischer.
Lasker's Manual of Chess
A review of the new 21st century edition of Lasker's Manual of Chess.
A review of the new 21st century edition of Lasker's Manual of Chess.
Mikhail Tal
A profile of chess player and former World Chess Champion Mikhail Tal.
A profile of chess player and former World Chess Champion Mikhail Tal.
1. b4: Theory and Practice
A review of 1. b4: Theory & Practice of the Sokolsky Opening by Jerzy Konikowski and Marek Soszynski.
A review of 1. b4: Theory & Practice of the Sokolsky Opening by Jerzy Konikowski and Marek Soszynski.
Vladimir Kramnik
A profile of famous chess player and World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik.
A profile of famous chess player and World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik.
Magnus Carlsen
A profile of grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, one of the world's top chess players.
A profile of grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, one of the world's top chess players.
Viswanathan Anand: My Career
A review of the ChessBase DVDs "Viswanathan Anand: My Career," Volumes 1 and 2.
A review of the ChessBase DVDs "Viswanathan Anand: My Career," Volumes 1 and 2.
Alexander Alekhine
A profile of world chess champion Alexander Alekhine.
A profile of world chess champion Alexander Alekhine.
Boris Spassky
A profile of former world chess champion Boris Spassky.
A profile of former world chess champion Boris Spassky.
Algebraic Notation
The most widely-used form of chess notation. In algebraic notation, squares are named by combining the letter of their file with the number of their rank. For instance, the square the white king begins on is e1.
The most widely-used form of chess notation. In algebraic notation, squares are named by combining the letter of their file with the number of their rank. For instance, the square the white king begins on is e1.
Strategy
The long term plans and ideas that guide play beyond what a player can calculate in the short-term.
The long term plans and ideas that guide play beyond what a player can calculate in the short-term.
Emanuel Lasker
A profile of former World Chess Champion Emanuel Lasker.
A profile of former World Chess Champion Emanuel Lasker.
Bughouse
Learn the rules of bughouse chess, a popular form of team chess.
Learn the rules of bughouse chess, a popular form of team chess.
Major Pieces
Queens and rooks.
Queens and rooks.
Minor Pieces
Bishops and knights.
Bishops and knights.
Chess - Articles
An index of articles for the Chess guide site.
An index of articles for the Chess guide site.
Blitz
A type of chess played with a very short time control.
A type of chess played with a very short time control.
Chess Clock
Chess games are often timed, especially in tournament play. This is done through the use of a device which contains two attached clocks, known as a chess clock. By pressing a button on their side of the chess clock after they make a move, a player stops his clock and simultaneously starts the opponent�s clock. Chess clocks are available in both analog and digital styles.
Chess games are often timed, especially in tournament play. This is done through the use of a device which contains two attached clocks, known as a chess clock. By pressing a button on their side of the chess clock after they make a move, a player stops his clock and simultaneously starts the opponent�s clock. Chess clocks are available in both analog and digital styles.
Review: Dynamic 3..Qd6 (Melts)
A review of the chess book Scandinavian Defense: The Dynamic 3...Qd6 by Michael Melts.
A review of the chess book Scandinavian Defense: The Dynamic 3...Qd6 by Michael Melts.
Tempo
A unit of time equal to one move. If a player can force their opponent to make an unpleasant but necessary move (such as retreating a piece to a less active square), that player is often said to have “won a tempo.”
A unit of time equal to one move. If a player can force their opponent to make an unpleasant but necessary move (such as retreating a piece to a less active square), that player is often said to have “won a tempo.”
Pin
A situation in which a piece cannot move because it will leave a more valuable piece vulnerable to attack. An absolute pin occurs when moving the piece is impossible because it would expose the king to check, while a relative pin exists when the piece can legally move, but only at the risk of exposing a stronger piece, such as the queen, to an attack.
A situation in which a piece cannot move because it will leave a more valuable piece vulnerable to attack. An absolute pin occurs when moving the piece is impossible because it would expose the king to check, while a relative pin exists when the piece can legally move, but only at the risk of exposing a stronger piece, such as the queen, to an attack.
Tigran Petrosian
A profile of former world chess champion Tigran Petrosian.
A profile of former world chess champion Tigran Petrosian.
Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual
A review of the chess book, Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual.
A review of the chess book, Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual.
Chess960
A short article about Chess960, also known as Fischer Random Chess or Shuffle Chess.
A short article about Chess960, also known as Fischer Random Chess or Shuffle Chess.
Mikhail Botvinnik
A profile of former World Chess Champion Mikhail Botvinnik.
A profile of former World Chess Champion Mikhail Botvinnik.
Time Control
The time limit placed on a chess game. Time controls are especially common in tournaments, but are sometimes used in casual play. They may range from one minute for each player for the entire game, to several hours per side.
The time limit placed on a chess game. Time controls are especially common in tournaments, but are sometimes used in casual play. They may range from one minute for each player for the entire game, to several hours per side.
Anatoly Karpov
A profile of chess player and former world chess champion Anatoly Karpov.
A profile of chess player and former world chess champion Anatoly Karpov.
Max Euwe
A profile of former World Chess Champion Max Euwe.
A profile of former World Chess Champion Max Euwe.
Blunder
A terrible chess move.
A terrible chess move.
Castle
Castling is a defensive move in which the king moves towards the corner of the board, and a rook moves toward the middle. It is the only move in chess that allows two pieces to move at the same time. Also, rooks are often referred to as castles by novice players.
Castling is a defensive move in which the king moves towards the corner of the board, and a rook moves toward the middle. It is the only move in chess that allows two pieces to move at the same time. Also, rooks are often referred to as castles by novice players.
Nottingham 1936 (Alekhine)
A review of the 21st Century Edition of Nottingham 1936 by Alexander Alekhine.
A review of the 21st Century Edition of Nottingham 1936 by Alexander Alekhine.
Zugzwang
A German word meaning “compulsion to move.” It refers to a situation in which a player has a position which would be strong if they were allowed to pass, but will be ruined because they must make a move.
A German word meaning “compulsion to move.” It refers to a situation in which a player has a position which would be strong if they were allowed to pass, but will be ruined because they must make a move.
Judit Polgar
A profile of Grandmaster Judit Polgar, a famous chess player.
A profile of Grandmaster Judit Polgar, a famous chess player.
Chess Gems by Igor Sukhin
A review of Chess Gems - 1,000 Combinations You Should Know, by Igor Sukhin.
A review of Chess Gems - 1,000 Combinations You Should Know, by Igor Sukhin.
Stalemate
A situation in which a player has no legal moves, but is not in check. This results in a drawn game.
A situation in which a player has no legal moves, but is not in check. This results in a drawn game.
En Prise
French for “in take,” a piece is considered en prise if it is unprotected and can be captured.
French for “in take,” a piece is considered en prise if it is unprotected and can be captured.
Vladimir Akopian
A profile of Grandmaster Vladimir Akopian, a famous chess player.
A profile of Grandmaster Vladimir Akopian, a famous chess player.
Fork
A tactic in which one piece attacks two or more opposing pieces simultaneously. Forks are most commonly made by knights, due to their ability to leap over other pieces.
A tactic in which one piece attacks two or more opposing pieces simultaneously. Forks are most commonly made by knights, due to their ability to leap over other pieces.
Opening
The first phase of a chess game, when both players attempt to develop their pieces and fight for the center of the board.
The first phase of a chess game, when both players attempt to develop their pieces and fight for the center of the board.
Veselin Topalov
A profile of Grandmaster Veselin Topalov, a famous chess player from Bulgaria.
A profile of Grandmaster Veselin Topalov, a famous chess player from Bulgaria.
Initiative
The player who is pushing the action of the game by making threats is said to have the initiative. This is usually an advantage, as the other player must react to these threats rather than start plans of their own.
The player who is pushing the action of the game by making threats is said to have the initiative. This is usually an advantage, as the other player must react to these threats rather than start plans of their own.
Master
A title given by many national federations to strong players. For instance, a player in the United States can earn the National Master (NM) title by achieving a USCF rating of 2200 or higher.
A title given by many national federations to strong players. For instance, a player in the United States can earn the National Master (NM) title by achieving a USCF rating of 2200 or higher.
Gary's Adventures (Sukhin)
A review of Gary's Adventures in Chess Country, an instructional chess book for children by Igor Sukhin.
A review of Gary's Adventures in Chess Country, an instructional chess book for children by Igor Sukhin.
En Passant
French for “in passing,” en passant is a special move that allows a pawn to capture an enemy pawn which has moved two squares and landed on an adjacent square. The pawn is captured as though it had only moved one square.
French for “in passing,” en passant is a special move that allows a pawn to capture an enemy pawn which has moved two squares and landed on an adjacent square. The pawn is captured as though it had only moved one square.
Kingside
The side of the board on which the kings begin play. In algebraic notation, the kingside is made up of the “e” through “h” files.
The side of the board on which the kings begin play. In algebraic notation, the kingside is made up of the “e” through “h” files.
Middlegame
The second phase of a chess game. At this stage, both players have finished developing their pieces. The middlegame is the “meat” of a chess game, connecting the opening to the endgame.
The second phase of a chess game. At this stage, both players have finished developing their pieces. The middlegame is the “meat” of a chess game, connecting the opening to the endgame.
Rank
A horizontal row of squares on the chessboard. In algebraic notation, ranks are numbered from 1 to 8, with the white pieces sitting on the first and second ranks.
A horizontal row of squares on the chessboard. In algebraic notation, ranks are numbered from 1 to 8, with the white pieces sitting on the first and second ranks.
A Guide to Organized Chess
A guide to organized chess, including chess clubs, chess federations, and chess ratings.
A guide to organized chess, including chess clubs, chess federations, and chess ratings.
Review: New York 1924
A review of the new 21st Century Edition of Alexander Alekhine's New York 1924 tournament book.
A review of the new 21st Century Edition of Alexander Alekhine's New York 1924 tournament book.
Development
The process of moving the pieces from their original squares to more active squares. Typically, the player who has better developed pieces will have an advantage.
The process of moving the pieces from their original squares to more active squares. Typically, the player who has better developed pieces will have an advantage.
Levon Aronian
A profile of the famous chess player and grandmaster, Levon Aronian.
A profile of the famous chess player and grandmaster, Levon Aronian.
Skewer
A tactic in which a valuable piece is attacked and forced to move, leaving a less valuable piece vulnerable to capture.
A tactic in which a valuable piece is attacked and forced to move, leaving a less valuable piece vulnerable to capture.
Genius and Misery of Chess
A review of the book The Genius and the Misery of Chess by Zhivko Kaikamjozov.
A review of the book The Genius and the Misery of Chess by Zhivko Kaikamjozov.
Kramnik: My Path to the Top
A review of the Vladimir Kramnik: My Path to the Top DVD by ChessBase.
A review of the Vladimir Kramnik: My Path to the Top DVD by ChessBase.
Alexander Morozevich
A profile of Alexander Morozevich, a famous chess player from Russia.
A profile of Alexander Morozevich, a famous chess player from Russia.
Hikaru Nakamura
A profile of American chess grandmaster and famous chess player, Hikaru Nakamura.
A profile of American chess grandmaster and famous chess player, Hikaru Nakamura.
Descriptive Notation
A style of chess notation in which each square is given a descriptive name, based on the piece that began play on that file and the square’s rank.
A style of chess notation in which each square is given a descriptive name, based on the piece that began play on that file and the square’s rank.
Fianchetto
Italian for “on the flank,” a fianchetto is the placement of a bishop on b2 or g2 for white, or alternately, b7 or g7 for black.
Italian for “on the flank,” a fianchetto is the placement of a bishop on b2 or g2 for white, or alternately, b7 or g7 for black.
Material
The pieces and pawns controlled by each player. If one player has more pieces remaining than the other, that player is said to have a material advantage.
The pieces and pawns controlled by each player. If one player has more pieces remaining than the other, that player is said to have a material advantage.
Queenside
The side of the board on which the queens begin the game. In terms of algebraic notation, the queenside is made up of the “a” through “d” files.
The side of the board on which the queens begin the game. In terms of algebraic notation, the queenside is made up of the “a” through “d” files.
Ratings
Numbers which represent the estimated strength of a chess player. Ratings are issued by FIDE, national federations, chess servers and other organizations. While ratings vary depending on the body that issues them, beginners are typically rated below 1000, average tournament players around 1500, and masters at 2200 or higher. The top players in the world are often rated around 2800. The highest FIDE rating ever achieved was 2851, by Garry Kasparov.
Numbers which represent the estimated strength of a chess player. Ratings are issued by FIDE, national federations, chess servers and other organizations. While ratings vary depending on the body that issues them, beginners are typically rated below 1000, average tournament players around 1500, and masters at 2200 or higher. The top players in the world are often rated around 2800. The highest FIDE rating ever achieved was 2851, by Garry Kasparov.
Bullet Chess (Nakamura/Harper)
A review of Bullet Chess: One Minute to Mate, by Hikaru Nakamura and Bruce Harper.
A review of Bullet Chess: One Minute to Mate, by Hikaru Nakamura and Bruce Harper.
Candidate Master
A title awarded by FIDE, ranking below FIDE Master.
A title awarded by FIDE, ranking below FIDE Master.
Peter Leko
A profile of famous chess player Grandmaster Peter Leko.
A profile of famous chess player Grandmaster Peter Leko.
Draw
A game that ends without a winner. This can happen in several ways. The players may agree to a draw, there may not be enough material left on the board for the game to end with a checkmate, or there may be a stalemate. In tournament play, there are other situations which can result in a draw, such as triple repetition of position, or fifty moves being played without any progress (this is known as the “fifty move rule”).
A game that ends without a winner. This can happen in several ways. The players may agree to a draw, there may not be enough material left on the board for the game to end with a checkmate, or there may be a stalemate. In tournament play, there are other situations which can result in a draw, such as triple repetition of position, or fifty moves being played without any progress (this is known as the “fifty move rule”).
Chess - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Chess guide site.
An index of StepBySteps for the Chess guide site.
Endgame
The final phase of a chess game, when few pieces are left on the board. The endgame often begins after the queens come off the board.
The final phase of a chess game, when few pieces are left on the board. The endgame often begins after the queens come off the board.
FIDE Master
A title awarded by FIDE which is above Candidate Master, but below International Master. It is often abbreviated as FM. The usual way of earning the FIDE Master title is by obtaining a rating over 2300.
A title awarded by FIDE which is above Candidate Master, but below International Master. It is often abbreviated as FM. The usual way of earning the FIDE Master title is by obtaining a rating over 2300.
Brilliancy
An exceptional game.
An exceptional game.
Checkmate
A king which is under attack and has no way of avoiding capture is said to be in checkmate. This ends the game as a victory for the player who has trapped the enemy king.
A king which is under attack and has no way of avoiding capture is said to be in checkmate. This ends the game as a victory for the player who has trapped the enemy king.
Zwischenzug
A German word meaning “intermediate move.” It refers to a surprising move that is played in the middle of what appeared to be a forced sequence. This is also known by the Italian word intermezzo.
A German word meaning “intermediate move.” It refers to a surprising move that is played in the middle of what appeared to be a forced sequence. This is also known by the Italian word intermezzo.
Wang Yue
A profile of famous chess player and Chinese grandmaster, Wang Yue.
A profile of famous chess player and Chinese grandmaster, Wang Yue.
Samuel Reshevsky
A profile of famous chess grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky.
A profile of famous chess grandmaster Samuel Reshevsky.
Sacrifice
The voluntary offer of material in the hopes of gaining an advantage.
The voluntary offer of material in the hopes of gaining an advantage.
FIDE
The Fédération Internationale des Échecs, or World Chess Federation. FIDE acts as the governing body for international chess, and awards official ratings and titles to players.
The Fédération Internationale des Échecs, or World Chess Federation. FIDE acts as the governing body for international chess, and awards official ratings and titles to players.
Sergey Karjakin
A profile of famous chess player and grandmaster, Sergey Karjakin.
A profile of famous chess player and grandmaster, Sergey Karjakin.
Grandmaster
The highest title awarded by FIDE. The title is sometimes referred to as International Grandmaster, and is often abbreviated as GM. Grandmasters typically have ratings over 2500, and must achieve strong performances, or norms, in tournaments with difficult competition before earning the title.
The highest title awarded by FIDE. The title is sometimes referred to as International Grandmaster, and is often abbreviated as GM. Grandmasters typically have ratings over 2500, and must achieve strong performances, or norms, in tournaments with difficult competition before earning the title.
Check
Learn the chess concept of check, what it means for your king, and how it differs from checkmate.
Learn the chess concept of check, what it means for your king, and how it differs from checkmate.