Guides

Openings & Strategy

Start your games well and know what to do next, from opening moves to middlegame plans.

Controlling the center · 5 min read Beginner

Central control gives your pieces more range and power; here's why.

Piece activity and development · 5 min read Beginner

Getting your knights and bishops into the game quickly and efficiently.

Pawn structure basics · 7 min read Under 1000

Doubled, isolated, and passed pawns explained in plain language.

Making a simple middlegame plan · 8 min read Under 1200

A simple way to decide what to do once opening moves run out.

Making a simple middlegame plan · 6 min read Under 1000

Turning your developed pieces into a real, concrete plan.