How to Play Chess: Beginner instructions and Video

Many ask for a tutorial on how to play chess.  Chess.com has an excellent beginner tutorial here, with a video you can watch here.

Benefits of Chess

Research has shown many real and desirable benefits of chess in terms of education and personal development. Here are a few divided into Personal, Social, and Academic categories:


Personal

• Increased confidence
• Self Esteem
• Discipline
• Commitment
• Intellectual Maturity
• Overcome fear of risk-taking
• Responsibility for Actions
• Measurable Individual Accomplishments
• Increased English Skills
• Improved communication
• Planning Ahead
• Analyzing Actions & Consequences

Chess Game on GameKnot.com

Play chess online

Chess in Education: Examples of Research Supporting the Benefits

Where it chess being used in schools, what are some examples of research and positive feedback about it, and where can you learn more?  


Chess in Education: Where is it being used? 

• In 30 countries around the world, chess is part of the required school curriculum. In Venezuela, Iceland, Russia and other countries, chess is a subject in all public schools.

• Starting this year, chess is being offered as a Board Approved and Authorized (BAA) high school course at the Robert Bateman Sec. School, Abbotsford, in British Columbia, Canada. So chess is now offered as a full credit high school course, on an equal with Science, Socials or Mathematics.

• The mathematics curriculum in New Brunswick, Canada, is a text series called "Challenging Mathematics" which uses chess to teach logic from grades 2 to 7. Using this curriculum, the average problem-solving score of pupils in the province increased from 62% to 81%. The Province of Quebec, where the program was first introduced, has the best math marks in Canada and Canada scores better than the U.S.A. on international mathematics exams. (http://www.chess-math.org)

Schools Recognize Benefits of Chess

Studies worldwide have shown that playing chess has benefits, especially for young children. Inspired by this knowledge, a growing number of teachers in the U.S. are trying to incorporate chess into their students' lives.

Best Places to Play Chess Online Free

ChessOK.com

1. ChessOK.com. You can play online in your browser, or download their powerful software for more features. Mostly Russian players. You can use their software to automatically check your game for mistakes once it is finished. Also, I really like the colors and design of their boards and pieces. It also allows you to store your games.
2. Owl21. Relatively new. Continually improving. Great interface and sounds. There are many Spanish speakers here.
3. Internet Chess Club (not free: about $60 US dollars a year) Definitely the best chess club on the Internet. Features include ability to watch some of the strongest players in the world play live, listen to chess-related radio programs, and study from a huge collection of chess training videos. Expensive, but worth it if you are serious about improving your chess. 7-day free trial available twice a year.
4. GameKnot.  Offers both very long games (e.g. one move/day or longer) and blitz.  Good interface.  Blitz doesn't give any control over who your opponent is.
   
   

American Grandmaster Maurice Ashley Interviewed About The Benefits of Chess

18-year old Magnus Carlsen: 2nd in World

Video interview with the currently 2nd best player in the world from Norway, Magnus Carlsen. Choose the CC (closed caption) option on the lower-right to show the english subtitles.

Training videos for Slav Defense

          (from chessvideos.tv)

The Slav Defense is a popular, stable opening played by many of the World's strongest players. Watch these training videos to learn about it:

1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3

Chess with a Can?

In a promotion for a new drink, The Amp Can decided to challenge New York's Finest Chess Players at Washington Square Park. The competition was stiff but the Can took on all comers, eventually taking on 10 Players in a Simultaneous Game.

What Do Basketball and Chess Have in Common?

Play Chess Against a Computer Free Online

Mr. Spock from Star Trek playing 3-D Chess

1. Shredder
2. ChessOK.com
   
3. Little Chess Partner
   

Training Videos on the Ruy Lopez

 Basic Position of Ruy Lopez
(from chessvideos.tv)

A great way to improve your chess is to watch training videos. Here are some examples on the Ruy Lopez opening by Jrobichess:

1. Classical Opening
2. Berlin Defense
3. Cozio Defense
4. Mortimer Trap

Three more by KensofficeUSA:

1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3

Kasparov Plays Many Players at Once

Kasparov is the strongest chess player in the history of the game, having been the world champion for decades up until recently.  Here is a video of him playing many opponents at once: