Learn Chess

No Praise, No Scorn—Just Chess

We often receive feedback from our SparkChess users and we value it greatly. Whether it’s constructive criticism, suggestions, or just a bit of praise, it’s our Northern Star pointing us in the right direction. Some bits end up as testimonials on the Download page, the rest become the source for new development ideas. More 🡢

But one letter I received this week hit different. Not only an echo through time and space, but a powerful testament of how one creation, one game, can become a lifeline. I asked the sender to let us publish the email and she kindly agreed. More 🡢

Grandmaster Susan Polgar at US Chess SuperNationals VIII (May 2025)

The SuperNationals VIII tournament run by US Chess has the Susan Polgar Foundation as one of its sponsors. It is an unexpected collaboration. Previously, Grandmaster (GM) Susan Polgar and her husband FIDE Master Paul Truong faced US Chess, then known as USCF, in court. More 🡢

Webster University wins The President’s Cup!

This year’s collegiate championship was highly competitive, featuring two tie-breaks. More 🡢

President’s Cup Chess: Texas versus Missouri and YOU could be a winner!

From April 4–6, 2025, The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) will host chess teams from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Webster University, and Saint Louis University on its campus. The occasion is the 2025 President’s Cup, the national championship of college chess. With two teams from Texas and two from Missouri, college chess bragging rights will go to one of those states. Predict the winner and YOU could be a winner too! More 🡢

Open and Women’s (and Men’s) in chess

The Varsity Chess Match is in London on March 8. International Women’s Day is observed each year on March 8, making this a good day to discuss gendered terminology. More 🡢

Prague International Chess Festival: Opening Ceremony

While in Prague for the World Senior Team Chess Championship, as a member of the USA Women 50+ team, I visited the Prague International Chess Festival. A former President of the Czech Republic was one of the speakers. At a post-ceremony reception, I briefly interviewed Grandmasters Liem Le and Vincent Keymer. More 🡢

Chess or Health, Play or Forfeit

The World Senior Team Chess Championship brings together several hundred chess players in two age categories, 50+ and 65+. Along with babies younger than six months, people aged 65 and older are most at risk for hospitalization from complications from COVID-19. And large gatherings, held indoors, increase the likelihood of disease transmission. More 🡢

Sunrise in the Bronx: Chess and Life Lessons

I read MacEnulty’s memoir in one sitting. That’s in part because there are no chess diagrams and games to play through, making reading faster. But it is also because MacEnulty writes well about compelling subjects. More 🡢

Is it hard to learn chess?

Learning the rules of chess can be accomplished in one day. There are six different chessmen. Master how each moves and captures, and use them to checkmate your opponents, to succeed in your chess games.

Where can I learn chess?

The best way to learn is by playing! Right here on SparkChess you can play against different computer personas (start with Cody if you never played before). The game will highlight all valid moves for a piece, so it's easy to understand and learn the rules. Then you can move to learning strategies and openings with SparkChess Premium, which features an Opening Explorer with over 100 opening variations, 30 interactive lessons and even an AI coach.

What is the best way to start learning chess?

While learning chess online is efficient, since software corrects illegal moves, playing chess with others in person can be satisfying. You and a friend or family member could tackle chess together, perhaps reading the rules in a book. Playing on a three-dimensional chess set can be a fun break from our online lives. When in-person chess is not available, SparkChess has online multiplayer for playing with friends (and making new ones).

How can I teach myself to play chess?

While learning chess rules takes one day, becoming good at chess takes longer. One proverb states, “Chess is a sea in which a gnat may drink and an elephant may bathe.” With intense efforts, chess greatness can be achieved.