Learn chess through three games

Make it: Play and review one slow chess game

Start here · 30-45 minutes

Gather: Chess board or reputable chess app and a willing opponent or practice mode

Step by step

1. Use a board or app that shows legal moves. Set at least ten minutes per side so you can pause before moving.
2. Before every move, ask: is my king in check, what can my opponent capture, and what checks or captures do I have?
3. Record moves or save the app game. Do not use hints during a game against a person unless both of you agree.
4. Replay the game and stop at the first piece you lost unexpectedly. Write what it attacked or left undefended.
5. Play a second game with one goal: check for that same kind of threat before each move.

You're done when: You can point to one decision you would change and explain why, regardless of the result.

Next project: Build a three-game threat journal

Three slow games

1. Play three games with at least ten minutes per side and save the moves.
2. After each game, find the first moment a piece became attacked twice or was left undefended.
3. Write what you considered before that move and one safer candidate; use a board or analysis tool after the game, not during it.
4. Before the next game, read your previous note and use the same checks-captures-threats pause before moving.

You're done when: Your three notes show whether the same missed threat recurred or a different one emerged.

Course plan

1. Set up and move legally
2. Look for threats
3. Spot a simple fork
4. Finish with a plan
5. Review instead of guessing