How to Analyze Your Chess Games to Improve
Stop repeating the same mistakes. A two-stage method for reviewing your games — yourself first, engine second — and how to spot the pattern costing you rating.
The LocalChess Blog
Guides, tips, and behind-the-scenes notes on chess and the game engine that powers LocalChess.
The History of Chess: From Chaturanga to the Modern Era
Discover the fascinating 1500-year history of chess. Trace its origins from ancient Indian Chaturanga to the fast-paced modern tournament era.
King and Queen Checkmate: How to Mate with a Lone Queen
Learn how to deliver the King and Queen checkmate step-by-step. Master the 'knight's distance' boxing method and avoid stalemates to win every time.
King and Rook Checkmate: The Box Method Explained
Master the King and Rook checkmate using the Box Method. Our easy-to-follow guide will teach you how to restrict the enemy king and deliver mate.
The Benefits of Playing Chess for Brain Health
Did you know chess is a mental workout? Discover how playing chess improves memory, enhances problem-solving skills, and protects brain health.
The Italian Game Explained: History, Ideas & Traps
Learn the Italian Game (Giuoco Piano) from the ground up: history, key variations, tactics, famous games, and practical opening plans for both sides.
The Ruy Lopez: History, Ideas, and Key Variations
A practical guide to the Ruy Lopez - its history, main ideas, key variations like the Berlin Defense, famous games, and tips to add it to your own repertoire.
Who is Magnus Carlsen? The Story of the Chess GOAT
Explore the career of Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess genius widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. Read his incredible story.
The Queen's Gambit Explained: History, Ideas & Plans
A club player's guide to the Queen's Gambit: its history, main variations, pawn structures, typical plans, tactical themes, and famous games worth studying.
The Sicilian Defense: A Practical Guide to 1.e4 c5
Learn the Sicilian Defense (1.e4 c5), the top reply to 1.e4, its key variations, plans, tactics, and famous games worth studying before your next match.
How to Play Chess Online: A Guide for New Players
How to start playing chess online — bots vs humans, ratings, time controls, and how to play a friend with no account at all using a shared link.
How to Play Chess Against the Computer: Tips to Win
Beat the bot by playing to its blind spots — what chess engines calculate well, where their search runs out, and the strategies that beat a computer.