Chess Curriculum

Each student starts at the first of three instructional levels:

*Students are 'Introduced' to 'Reviewed' on, and finally 'Qualified' in each topic before taking an official exam to graduate to the next level of chess instruction.

Pawn Level - "Building strong foundational knowledge."

Topics Covered: 

• The Pieces

• The Board

• Playing Chess

• Goals of Chess

• Understanding Draws

• Basic Tactics

• Basic Openings

• Chapters of a Chess Game

• Understanding Pawns

• In-Depth Checkmates

• Outside the Board

• Tournament Structures

• Chess Variations 

Minor Piece Level - "Building knowledge of patterns, principles, and tactics."

Topics Covered: 

• Intermediate Tactics

• Move Considerations

• How to Think

• Trading Pieces

• Types of Advantages

• Opening Strategy

• Middlegame Strategy

• Endgame Strategy

• Important Terminology

• Common Mistakes to Avoid

Major Piece Level - "Building strong tactical knowledge and competitive chess readiness."

Topics Covered: 

• Game Analysis

• Chess History

• "Immortal Games"

• Organized Chess

• Competitive Chess

• Choosing the Best Move

• Maintaining Composure

• Activating your Pieces

• Advanced Endgames

• Attacking the King

• Advanced Tactics

• Endgame Patterns

*Every completed topic rewards students with "Points" which can be redeemed for prizes.

*Every successfully passed exam allows students to 'Graduate' to the next level of chess instruction and rewards them with an official certification of completion.