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• Introduction to Chess
  An introduction to Chess Chess is a wonderful board game, invented thousands of years ago. Throughout its long history, it has earned noticeable acknowledgement and is considered to be the 'king' of board games. Nowadays, it stills attracts people from all over the world, regardless of their age. Chess is fascinating for it allows players to put their technique, experience and inspiration into rivalry.
  
  
• Basic chess moves
  Not all chess pieces behave the same on the board; each one is moving in a different way. The King (denoted by K) can move only one square at a time, horizontally, vertically or diagonally. For example, considering an empty board, a King on e4 (we write Ke4 in chess notation) may move to e3,e5, d4, f4, d3, f3, d5, f5.
  
  
• Chess Openings 1
  Chess Openings - Part One The first 10-15 moves are said to constitute the 'opening' phase of the game. Next comes the 'middlegame' and eventually the 'endgame', when a only few pieces are left on the board. Of course a game may end prematurely, for example due to a big blunder in the opening.
  
  
• Chess Openings 2
  Openings Theory is based on top class games to provide recommended variations for the opening. This way the openings have become somewhat standardized, although there are so many lines (variations) that one should not think that the game has any simplified. There are many variations that are considered to be correct for both WHITE and BLACK, resulting in positions that have equal chances for both. There is no need for one to memorize any openings. This will be done to some extent through experience, but relying on healthy, analytical thinking is always best.
  
  
• Chess Middlegame 1
  Chess Middlegame The middlegame is the most complicated part of the game. All forces have been developed and are ready to fight. Players have to take into account both the tactical possibilities and the strategic factors in order to make sensible decisions. The analysis made will have to be summarized in a simple and comprehensive plan which the chess player will have to follow. Note that it is always better to play upon a bad or inferior plan than on no plan at all.
  
  
• Chess Middlegame 2
  A competent chess player will construct a plan in the middlegame and will take all actions needed to implement it on the board. The plan should take into account the most important strategic factors and should also be feasible. Many plans can be considered in a given position, but the experienced player will select among the best. Failure to form a plan will lead to inconsistent, disordered play.
  
  
• Chess Endgame 1
  The endgame differs from both the opening and the middlegame in many aspects. It has its own rules of thumb, quite different from those in the other phases of the game, since the number of the pieces left on the board is small. It is important to play the endgame correctly, or else the efforts spent to arrive at it may be lost.
  
  
• Chess Endgame 2
  Below is a list of the most common endings : 1.King vs.1 King : This ending is drawn by default. 2.King + Knight vs King : This ending is drawn (insufficient material to mate). 3.King + Bishop vs King : This ending is also drawn (insufficient material to mate).
  
  
• Chess Endgame 3
  The following example demonstrates the chess player's thinking process in the endgame : WHITE : Kg2, Rd5, Be3, Pa6, Pb5, Pc4, Pg3, Ph2 BLACK : Kg8, Ra8, Bg7, Pa7, Pb6, Pc5, Pg6, Ph7
  
  
• Special Chess Moves
  The moves described are only valid when no other piece is interfering. If any piece is in the way, then the moving piece can not skip over it. The moving piece can only move to any square before it. If it is an enemy piece, it can also be captured. To capture the opponent's piece, one moves his own to the enemy piece's square, then removes the enemy piece from the board .
  
  
• Chess tactics
  Tactics is probably the most decisive aspect of the game. A player that is extremely good at tactics may beat a superior opponent, whereas inability to handle the tactics is a drawback to further progress. Every chess player who wishes to improve himself needs to practice his ability to count variations and combinations.
  
  
• An introduction to chess sets
  There are almost as many different types and styles of chess sets as there are chess players. It may be hard to decide upon a particular set, but it's relatively easy to narrow your choices down to a particular category. Here's a look at the major categories that are available everywhere:
  
  
• Chess Tables: A step up in class and style
  A chess table says something about how you view the game. Sure, every chess player owns a chessboard, but it takes someone who really appreciates the game to invest in a chess table.
  
  
• Chess related terms
  'Blunder' : To totally miss something which is obvious, so that the opponent will now benefit. 'Patzer' : A player who can not improve his play, though he is playing for years. A patzer is blundering all the time.
  
  
• Chess computer
  Chess computer - Beating friends and family getting too easy ? Don't make the mistake of confusing chess software with a chess computer. Chess software is designed to run as an application on your existing computer. A chess computer is a dedicated computer that does one thing: It plays chess. While there are some pretty good chess software programs available, it's hard to beat the power of a dedicated chess computer.
  
  
• Chess clock
  Chess games played at tournaments involve using a chess clock as well. Each player must make his moves without exceeding the time limit. In past years, no chess clocks were used, even on top class competitions. The clock is a fair solution for players to have an equal amount of time to spend on thinking.