Chess for complete beginners

Learn chess in 10 minutes.

Zero prior knowledge necessary. Seven short lessons. All free.

Start Lesson 1

No account. No chess set. Just your browser.

What you'll learn

  1. 1What is chess?The board, the pieces, and the goal of the game.1 min
  2. 2The pieces, and how they moveAll six pieces and exactly how each one moves.2 min
  3. 3CapturingHow you take your opponent's pieces off the board.2 min
  4. 4Check and checkmateWhen the king is under attack — and how the game is won.1 min
  5. 5Draws and stalemateThe ways a game ends with no winner.1 min
  6. 6Special movesCastling and pawn promotion — two moves with their own rules.1 min
  7. 7See it in actionStep through a famous chess game move by move — the Opera Game, 1858.2 min

Questions

Do I need to know anything about chess?

No. The first lesson is literally called "What is chess?" — we start from zero and assume nothing.

Is it free?

Yes. Every lesson is free. No account, no sign-up, no email required.

Do I need a chess set?

No. Every board in every lesson is right there on the page. Your browser is the chess set.

How long does it take?

About 10 minutes if you do it in one sitting. You can stop anywhere and pick up where you left off.

Ready?

Start Lesson 1