Chess 101
Explore simple yet insightful resources to kickstart your chess mastery in this category.
Chess 101
Understanding the Elo Rating System in Chess
If you’ve ever played chess online or followed professional tournaments, you’ve probably seen those mysterious numbers next to players’ names—something...
Chess 101
USCF Grand Prix Points: A Complete Guide
If you’ve ever wondered why some of America’s top chess players spend their weekends traveling to small towns and regional...
Chess 101
What’s a Good USCF Rating? A Look at the Real Numbers
If you’ve ever wondered how your USCF rating compares to other players, you’re not alone. One of the most common...
Chess 101
How to Get a USCF Chess Rating (Even If You’re a Total Beginner)
So you’ve been playing online. You’ve beaten your friends. And now you’re asking: How do I get a real chess...
Chess 101
USCF Chess Ratings Explained: How to Gain (or Lose) Points in Every Game
If you’ve played chess in the United States, you’ve probably heard of the USCF rating. It’s a number that shows...
Chess 101
Who Goes First in Chess – Why It Always Starts This Way?
If you’ve ever watched a chess game, you may have noticed something consistent: one player always moves first. But who...
Chess 101
Is Chess a Sport? Here’s the Official Answer
When you think of sports, you probably imagine athletes running, jumping, or sweating it out on a field. But then...
Chess 101
Queenside Castling in Chess: Riskier, Bolder, and Full of Potential
When most players learn to castle, they naturally gravitate toward the kingside. It feels safer, faster, and more familiar. But...
Chess 101
Castling in Chess: What It Is and How It Works
Castling is one of the most unique and important moves in chess. It’s the only move where two pieces—your king...
Chess 101
Can You Castle When in Check? A Clear Guide to Chess’s Most Misunderstood Rule
Short Answer: No, you cannot castle while your king is in check.Let’s break that down and cover the other castling...
