Course Details

Beginner Level

1. Correctly name each piece, demonstrate how each piece moves, and correctly set up the board for the start of a game.
2. Arrange a white king and queen so that they have a black king in checkmate; show at least three different arrangements.
3. Arrange a white king and queen so they have a black king in stalemate.
4. Show how to castle on the king-side and queen-side.
5. Name three things that make a move at the beginning of a game STRONG.
6. Show how to promote a pawn.
7. Explain the rule of touch-move.
8. Give checkmate in less than 25 moves using a king and queen against a lone king, regardless of starting positions.

Study Plan for Intermediate Players

1. Give checkmate in less than 15 moves using a king and two rooks against a lone king.
2. Give checkmate in less than 25 moves using a king and one rook against a lone king.
3. Set up the board to demonstrate how to pin a piece.
4. Set up the board to show how to fork two pieces.
5. Demonstrate how to defend against Scholar's Mate and explain why using it against experienced players is weak.
6. In a test game, use strong opening moves and avoid weak ones.
7. Demonstrate how to capture en passant.
8. Follow written notation to accurately replay a game.

Study Plan for Advanced Players

1. Turn in score sheets for 10 of your games played over the past month.
2. Turn in completed game analysis sheets for 2 of your games.
3. Be prepared to answer written questions about the rules of chess and tournaments, including touch-move, using notation, offering/drawing a game, and handling disputes during tournaments.
4. Replay the complete Capablanca and Morphy games from memory, explaining each move.
5. Be prepared to play blindfolded chess (using Skittles cards) against the coach for at least 12 moves without error or checkmate.
6. Do more exercises and puzzles.
7. VENI, VIDI, VICI
8. Analyze opening positions and develop your own style.