Chess Learning Resources
To help our students improve their chess skills, we've compiled a comprehensive list of high-quality learning resources. These resources come from authoritative organizations and professional platforms, with a special focus on UK-based resources.
Study Tip: We recommend students combine classroom learning with these online resources for practice outside of lessons. Beginners can start with ECF's free materials, while more experienced students can use tactical training websites for daily practice.
Official Organizations & Certification
English Chess Federation (ECF)
About: The official governing body for chess in England.
Key Resources:
- Certificate of Excellence - Official certification program with four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond
- New to Chess Guide - Beginner's introduction to chess
- Free downloadable materials: Chess Booklet One and Chess Booklet Two (suitable for players under 1200 Elo)
- ECF rating查询 and membership registration
For: All levels, especially students seeking official certification
Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC)
About: The UK's largest chess education charity, promoting chess in 1,600+ schools nationwide.
Key Resources:
- Free online chess courses
- Teaching resources and activity guides
- Youth tournament information
For: Schools and young learners
Online Course Platforms
LearningChess.net UK
About: Professional online chess learning platform offering systematic courses.
Key Resources:
- 3 online courses with 108 lessons
- 70 free lessons
- 50 free practical lessons by GM Jozsef Pinter
For: Beginners to intermediate players
Chess Rising Stars (Chess Academy UK)
About: Online chess academy founded by WFM Maria Manelidou, with a community of 500+ members.
Features:
- Experienced coaching team
- Interactive online lessons
- Specializing in online instruction since 2020
- Regular online tournaments and events
For: All levels, especially students preferring online learning
Mindful Chess
About: London-based chess education organization founded in 2015, teaching 500+ students weekly.
Features:
- Online classes 7 days a week
- Training from beginner to international competitor level
- Professional coaching team
For: London area and online students
Royal Chess Coaching Academy
About: High-level professional chess school in London.
Features:
- For all levels: children beginners to adult professionals
- One-to-one online tutoring
- Fees: from £30/hour
For: Students seeking high-level personalized instruction
Online Practice & Tactical Training
Lichess.org
About: World-leading free, open-source chess platform.
Key Features:
- Completely free with no ads
- Play against players worldwide
- Thousands of tactical puzzles
- Game analysis tools
- Comprehensive learning resources
- Mobile app available
For: All levels - our primary recommended practice platform
Chess.com
About: The world's largest online chess community.
Key Features:
- Play live games and correspondence chess
- Extensive puzzle library
- Video lessons and articles
- Active forum community
- Mobile app available
- Free account + premium options
For: All levels
ChessTempo
About: Specialized tactical training platform.
Features:
- Massive database of chess tactics problems
- Personalized difficulty adjustment
- Track progress and statistics
- Opening trainer
- Endgame trainer
For: Students focused on improving tactical skills
Video Learning
ChessNetwork (YouTube)
Popular chess YouTube channel featuring:
- Game analysis
- Opening tutorials
- Famous game breakdowns
- Easy-to-understand explanations
For: Visual learners, all levels
GothamChess (YouTube)
One of the most popular chess education channels:
- Beginner-friendly content
- Tournament coverage
- Strategic concepts explained simply
- Entertaining and educational
For: All levels, especially beginners
agadmator's Chess Channel (YouTube)
Classic and modern chess game analysis:
- Daily game analysis
- Historical chess games
- Tournament highlights
- Clear, methodical presentation
For: Intermediate to advanced players
Books (UK Availability)
For Beginners
- "Chess for Children" by Murray Chandler and Helen Milligan
- Colorful, engaging introduction to chess
- Step-by-step learning approach
-
Available at major UK bookstores
-
"How to Beat Your Dad at Chess" by Murray Chandler
- Focus on 50 chess patterns
- Practical tactical training
- Perfect for young players
For Intermediate Players
- "The Complete Chess Workout" by Richard Palliser
- 1,200 puzzles and exercises
- Organized by difficulty
-
Excellent for systematic training
-
"Understanding Chess Move by Move" by John Nunn
- Detailed game annotations
- Learn from master games
- Develops strategic thinking
For Advanced Players
- "Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual" by Mark Dvoretsky
- Comprehensive endgame encyclopedia
- Essential for serious players
-
Internationally acclaimed reference
-
"My System" by Aron Nimzowitsch
- Classic chess strategy text
- Fundamental strategic concepts
- Must-read for advanced players
Apps for Mobile Learning
Chess - Play & Learn (Chess.com app)
- iOS and Android
- Play, learn, and practice anywhere
- Daily puzzles and lessons
Lichess Mobile
- iOS and Android
- Fully featured, completely free
- Works offline for puzzles
CT-ART (Chess Tactics Art)
- Systematic tactical training
- Thousands of exercises
- Progressive difficulty levels
Tournament Information
Local Tournaments
- Manchester Chess Federation: Regular local tournaments
- Greater Manchester Junior Chess: Youth competitions
- School Chess Championships: Inter-school events
Finding Tournaments
- ECF Tournament Calendar - Official tournament listings
- Chess Results - International tournament database
Recommended Study Routine
For maximum improvement, we suggest:
Daily (15-30 minutes):
- Solve 5-10 tactics puzzles on Lichess or Chess.com
- Play 1-2 games with time to think
Weekly (1-2 hours):
- Review your games (especially losses)
- Study one opening variation
- Practice endgame positions
Monthly:
- Participate in at least one tournament
- Review progress with your coach
- Set new learning goals
Need More Help?
Our coaches are always available to recommend specific resources tailored to your child's level and learning style. Contact us at chess@boweneducation.org for personalized guidance.