Chess: Beyond the Basics (Ages 7+) (Winter 2027)

Build your skills and discover new ways to think about chess! This class welcomes students continuing from our beginner course, intermediate players, and new students with a basic understanding of the game.

Through engaging lessons, guided practice, chess puzzles, and friendly games, students will strengthen their fundamentals while exploring strategy and tactics. Instruction and activities will be adapted to students’ experience levels, providing support for developing players and additional challenges for those ready to advance.

Topics include:

• Review of piece movement, special moves, check, and checkmate
• Opening principles and effective piece development
• Recognizing threats and defending pieces
• Basic tactics, including forks, pins, and skewers
• Planning attacks and keeping the king safe
• Common checkmate patterns and basic endgames
• Learning from games and avoiding common mistakes
• Chess etiquette and sportsmanship

Students will develop logical thinking, focus, and decision-making skills while building confidence and enjoying the challenge of chess.

Prerequisite: Students should know how each piece moves. Prior beginner-class participation is welcome but not required.