Next steps
How to keep improving at chess
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Most players improve fastest with a simple routine: solve tactics every day, play longer games, and look at every loss with an engine. You can do all of that free.
A free daily routine
- 10 to 15 minutes of puzzles. Tactics win most games below master level. Start with our daily puzzle and rated puzzles.
- One longer game. Play with at least 10 minutes per side so you have time to think. Fast blitz is fun but teaches less. Play the computer at a level where you win about half your games.
- Review it. Paste your game into the analysis board. Find the first move where the evaluation swung, and ask what you missed.
- Learn one pattern a week. Our checkmate patterns and openings guides are a good start.
Online places to play and learn
- Lichess (lichess.org) is free and open source, with no paid tier: games, puzzles, studies and analysis.
- Chess.com is the largest chess site. Playing is free; paid memberships add unlimited puzzles, interactive lessons and more game reviews. Try the free account first and upgrade only if you use the lessons.
- Your local club. Over-the-board games against people near your level, and often free coaching from stronger members. Your national federation (US Chess in the United States) lists clubs and rated events.
Classic books
- Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess (Fischer, Margulies and Mosenfelder): a programmed-learning book of mating puzzles for beginners.
- Logical Chess: Move by Move (Irving Chernev): every move of 33 games explained in plain language.
- My System (Aron Nimzowitsch): a famous classic on positional play, best once you are comfortable with tactics.
Is a coach worth it?
A coach helps most once you play regularly and want a plan built around your own games. Look for someone who reviews your games with you rather than only teaching openings, and try a single lesson before committing to a package.