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Chess is full of dramatic checkmates, jaw-dropping tactics, and heart-stopping blunders. But sometimes, the drama fades into a quiet, unyielding standoff. Enter the 50-move rule—a rule that ensures no game of chess will drag on forever, even if the players are as stubborn as two toddlers arguing over the last cookie. What Is the 50-Move … Read more
Chess is full of peculiar quirks that make the game as beautiful as it is challenging. Among them, en passant is the most delightfully obscure. It’s the kind of rule that sparks heated debates in beginner games and smug smiles in expert ones. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Wait, that’s allowed?” after someone captures … Read more
Chess isn’t just about moving pieces. It’s about moving the right pieces for the right reasons. Strategy is where the game transforms from a simple pastime into a battle of wits. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be Magnus Carlsen to learn solid chess strategy. If you’re new to chess and want … Read more
Chess isn’t just a game of quick tactics and flashy combinations—it’s also about the quiet, methodical work of positional play. If tactics are the fireworks that light up the board, positional chess is the steady groundwork that ensures the fireworks happen in your favor. Understanding this balance is what separates the good players from the … Read more
When it comes to chess, there’s more to the game than just capturing queens and shouting “checkmate.” One fascinating number is your Performance Rating (Rp)—a nifty way of saying, “How well did you really play against these opponents?” Let’s explore the three main ways to calculate this magical number, in a fun and simple way! … Read more
The king in chess is a paradox. On the one hand, it’s the most important piece on the board—checkmate it, and the game ends. On the other hand, it’s often seen as a fragile monarch, tucked away in a castle of pawns, hiding from the chaos of battle. But here’s the twist: the king isn’t … Read more
What is a chess puzzle, and what are its types? This article aims to explain the concept and tricks behind chess puzzles for beginners. Chess puzzles are like the brain’s version of a morning workout. They stretch your thinking, sharpen your instincts, and boost your confidence, all while being surprisingly fun. For beginners, chess puzzles … Read more
Ever wondered why losing your queen feels like losing your favorite snack at a chess party? It’s all about the points, my friend. Chess assigns every piece a value, and these points don’t just reflect how powerful a piece is. They influence strategies, trades, and endgames. Let’s break it down with the kind of flair … Read more
You’ve outplayed your opponent. Their king is limping across the board, their pieces are scattered, and victory feels inevitable. But then—bam! Stalemate. The game ends in a draw, not because you couldn’t win, but because you accidentally let your opponent slip through the back door of chess mishaps. Stalemate is one of the sneakiest problem … Read more
Chess openings are a lot like pizza toppings, as there are plenty to choose from, but only a few are universally loved. Let’s explore the best first moves in chess, ranked by popularity. “Why?” Tier Moves that scream, “I play chess for fun, not to win.” 10. 1.Nc3 (1%)The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack’s more eccentric cousin. Sure, … Read more