Chess Openings for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to chess? Discover the best chess openings for beginners. Learn key opening principles, basic moves, and how to start your games with absolute confidence.
Beginner — Chess Guides
14 free chess guides tagged “Beginner” — read them all on LocalChess, then practice on the free board.
How to Win at Chess: 10 Essential Tips
Want to improve your chess game and start winning? Explore these 10 essential tips, from basic tactics to key strategic concepts, to beat your opponents.
The Scholar's Mate: How to Do It and How to Defend It
Learn how to execute and defend against the famous 4-move Scholar's Mate in chess. Master this essential beginner tactic and never get caught off guard.
En Passant in Chess: The Rule Explained with Examples
En passant lets a pawn capture an enemy pawn that just moved two squares, landing beside it. The three conditions, worked examples, notation, and why it exists.
How to Castle in Chess: Rules and Best Practices
Learn the rules of castling in chess. Discover how to execute kingside and queenside castling, and understand the requirements for this special move.
Understanding Chess Piece Values: A Strategic Overview
Master chess piece values and learn how to make smart trades. Discover the relative strength of pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, and queens.
What is Stalemate in Chess? Difference Between Stalemate and Checkmate
Learn what stalemate is in chess. Understand the crucial differences between stalemate and checkmate, and how to avoid accidental draws.
How to Read Chess Notation: Algebraic Notation Explained
Learn to read and write algebraic chess notation: piece letters, captures, check, castling, promotion, and PGN — with a full worked example game.
Chess Board Setup: How to Set Up a Chessboard Correctly
Learn how to set up a chessboard correctly with our step-by-step guide. Master the layout, piece placement, and orientation of the board.
The London System: A Solid and Easy-to-Learn Opening for White
Learn the London System, a highly reliable chess opening for White. Get a solid position against any Black defense with easy setups and clear plans.
The Scandinavian Defense: Tricky Opening for Beginners
Simplify your opening study with the Scandinavian Defense. Learn how 1...d5 forces White out of their prep and gives Black a direct, easy-to-play game.
How to Spot and Execute a Fork in Chess
Master the chess fork tactic. Learn how knights, pawns, and other pieces can attack two targets at once to win material and dominate games.
Pinning in Chess: How to Tie Down Your Opponent's Pieces
Learn how to use pins in chess to restrict your opponent's pieces, win material, and dominate the board. Discover absolute and relative pins.
5 Chess Opening Principles Every Beginner Should Know
Master the opening without memorizing lines. Five timeless principles — control the center, develop pieces, castle early — that improve your chess fast.