Checkmate!

John Foley is the Secretary of the Education Commission of the European Chess Union. He has authored workbooks for children and also works as a chess tutor.

• Sections include: - MINIGAMES - You don't even need to know how all the pieces move to get playing! These fun and simple minigames are the perfect introduction to chess - THE CHESS PIECES - Meet the chess pieces: the pawn, rook, bishop, queen, knight and king - SPECIAL MOVES - There are three special moves you should know: pawn promotion, en passant pawn captures and castling - TRICKY TACTICS - Chess gets exciting once you get to the tactics. We will show you the basic tactics like pins, forks, skewers, plus smart concepts such as sacrifices, decoys and deflections - ATTACK AND DEFENCE - Understand the basic elements of attack and defence. Learn about threats, double attacks and how to win material - CHECK AND CHECKMATE - Learn the meaning of check and checkmate, the most famous concept in chess. Learn the difference between checkmate and stalemate. Learn how to get out of check - OPENINGS - Learn the best way to open a chess game. Get to grips with the Italian Opening and the Queen's Gambit. Beware of Fool's Mate and Scholar's Mate - STRATEGY - The five best chess strategies to get the better of your opponent during the middlegame - ENDGAMES - When there are only a few pieces left, you need to be accurate. Being able to play endings well is the sign of the master! - TOURNAMENTS - Once you get to the stage you want to enter a competition, there are a few things you should know: chess etiquette, time controls and looking out for cheating!

Select Guide Rating