Chess Basic to intermediate - Thashwini BB

Module 1: Introduction to Chess

This foundation module ensures that students who are new to Chess can begin their journey with clarity and confidence.

Topics:

• History and significance of Chess

• Chessboard orientation and layout

• Files, ranks, and diagonals

• Understanding dark and light squares

• How each piece moves (King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook, Pawn)

• Basic rules and objectives of the game

• Concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate

• Draw conditions

By the end of this module, students can confidently set up a board, identify pieces, and understand fundamental rules.

Module 2: Chess for Beginners

This module focuses on building early game confidence, learning patterns, and understanding how to plan basic moves.

Topics:

• Piece value and importance

• Controlling the center

• Common beginner mistakes

• Development principles

• Opening fundamentals

• Protecting your pieces

• Basic tactical ideas

• Simple checkmates (2-rook mate, queen mate, king & rook mate)

• Introduction to notation

• Playing your first full game

Students begin to play complete games while understanding the logical flow of Chess.

Module 3: Chess – Intermediate Level

Players who already know the basics will learn deeper strategy and competitive thinking.

Topics:

• Intermediate opening principles

• Pawn structure and pawn chains

• Piece coordination

• Identifying weaknesses

• Tactical motifs: forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks

• Trading pieces effectively

• Capturing vs. developing

• How to avoid blunders

• Positional understanding

• Time management in games

Real game examples are used to illustrate each concept.

Module 4: Middlegame Mastery

The middlegame is where Chess becomes most complex. This module trains students to think strategically and execute plans.

Topics:

• Building and executing middlegame plans

• Good vs. bad bishops

• Knight outposts

• Open files and rook activity

• King safety and castling strategies

• Prophylactic thinking

• Preparing for endgames during middlegame

• Understanding imbalances

• Attacking patterns (king-side attack, queen-side attack)

• Defense techniques

Students will learn to navigate the middlegame with confidence and purpose.

Module 5: Essential Chess Openings

Learners are introduced to major opening families while focusing on understanding rather than memorizing.

Topics:

• Basic opening theory

• Importance of rapid development

• Popular openings:

  • Italian Game

  • Ruy López

  • Sicilian Defense

  • French Defense

  • Caro-Kann Defense

  • Queen’s Gambit

• Choosing openings based on playing style

Students practice these openings through guided games and puzzles.

Module 6: Tactical Training & Strategy

This module strengthens calculation and pattern recognition.

Topics:

• Tactical puzzles

• Calculation techniques

• Candidate moves

• Evaluating positions

• Sacrifices (when and why to sacrifice)

• Attack vs. defense strategies

• Creating tactical opportunities

• Avoiding tactical traps

By the end, students develop sharper thinking and tactical discipline.

Module 7: Endgame Basics

Even strong players struggle with endgames. This module ensures every student builds a solid foundation.

Topics:

• King and pawn endgames

• Opposition and key squares

• Rook endgames

• Minor piece endgames

• Basic checkmate patterns

• Converting small advantages

• Drawing techniques

Students learn how to finish games effectively and confidently.