Concepts in Chess uses a revolutionary approach to explores the fundamental ideas behind chess theory. The true elegance of the game is in understanding the patterns and philosophies delicately buried under the nuance of interplay between the pieces.

Discover the secret foundations of chess. These ideas are applied to puzzle positions and full game analysis.

The goal of this series is for the viewer to explore new and exciting chess ideas; to see the patterns in their own games that they would have otherwise overlooked; and to realize that rote calculation is not the key to chess.

Chess Classes

This session runs Monday evenings for ten weeks from January 8^th to March 25^th* covering chess concepts from opening theory to checkmate. Designed for the amateur - the ultimate utility of this course is to discover the depths of one's own strengths and to build a game from a solid foundation with a full scope of learning.

Each class contains distinct topics for instruction, questions, guided class play, cumulative lesson review and twenty minute open play.

Tactical Pearls provides a snippet of instructional style and accessibility of concepts.

Extra study material and a student discussion portal will be made available to all students throughout the session.

*Class is on hiatus for Family Day, February 19^th and March Break, March 11^th.

This ten week Winter session is available for $250.

Pawn Workshop

The Pawn Workshop details the intricacies of the pawn. The pawn is the soul of the game but is often overlooked in game strategy until very high levels of chess. Pawns dictate the structure and pace of a game. Their arrangement decides which parts of the board are active; which parts warrant speed; and which parts are locked.

Mastering the pawn will leave your opponents mystified. Mystified as to why their attacks didn't work, and why you always seem to find a breakthrough even though you have equal material. You will be taught how to appreciate the true value of a pawn. The fact that pawns change their value depending on which side of the board they are on, how close they are to the center, how deep they are in opponent territory, their level of support and the types (not value) of pieces your opponent has. I will be instruct on how to make informed choices on sacrifices and piece displacement.

The secrets of why "just a pawn" is a statement of empowerment in the right mindset will be revealed.

With a true appreciation and understanding of the pawn, it will be demonstrated how they are actually the most worthy piece in terms of collective value. Level up your game with this indispensable workshop.

Booking now open for Winter workshop dates.

Inquire about available dates.

Watch Techniques

Enjoy watching these techniques; don't forget to print the corresponding technique and follow along with your own board while you watch. Yes, print. Use your fingers to help your mind walk across the board. Take the opportunity of study to count aloud and deliberately as you map out the squares. In these techniques success or failure is often one square, or one tempo, away.

Walk around the board. Count from both sides. Allow your allegiance to shift from one side to the other. Exhaust all possibilities and offer only those choices that benefit you. Techniques are the micro game in which the larger game is built. A compendium of techniques at your disposal will continuously give you small advantages that will flourish into an overwhelming wave.

Watch Lessons

Enjoy watching these lessons; don't forget to print the corresponding lesson and follow along with your own board while you watch. Yes, print. The same way that holding the pieces is a tactile experience that transcends the learning experience; so too does the printed material give you a focused way to read and delve into the lesson.

Walk around the board. Hold the paper in your hand. Consider the game from both perspectives. Take turns in your mind's eye seeing each side as the hero that must over-come the strategies of the opponent.

Watch and Learn

Lessons are paired with the appropriate PDF files. Be sure to follow along with the video to get the full experience.

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Chess Notation

ELO: 0

Seizing The Iniative

ELO: 2300

Building A Strong Foundation

ELO: 2500

Read Techniques

Within games there are concepts of key techniques that allow you to set up situations that will maximize your piece potential. Do you want a bishop and a knight against a rook and two pawns? Do you want to knights against two bishops? Do you want a queen against two rooks?

The details that will inform these decisions and the move orders that will lead to success are embedded in the techniques of cooperation between the pieces; and of course, the immortal pawn. The pawns will guide you to the secrets of pattern; learn how to unlock their potential and dominance over the game by recognizing how to use them in tandem with your pieces to yield victory on bended knee.

Game Analyses

If you are new to reading chess lessons, begin the reading material with "Chess Notation" to familiarize yourself with how to follow written chess. Take your own board and set up the pieces in the standard position and then follow along any of the games or exercises listed.

The games are listed by title and "ELO" which is a rating of their level of advancement.

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Chess Notation

ELO: 0

Seizing The Iniative

ELO: 2300

Taking Advantage of Over-Extension

ELO: 2400

Building A Strong Foundation

ELO: 2500

Ennobling The Pawn

ELO: 2600

Tactical Pearls

Learn the micro techniques that build upon the wellspring of success.

Tactical Pearls:

Fianchetto Story of a Queen's Gambit Clearance Sacrifices Smother Stripping The King Race To The Finish Under Promotion Pins and Discoveries

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Chess Talk

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Chess Classes
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Collaboration Credits

I would like to thank Steel The Sky Studios for all of the video and visual media on this site; as well as all of the synergistic media on YouTube and across the internet sphere. This work would not have been possible if it were not for the support and skill of Steel The Sky Studios. I thank them sincerely from the depths of my heart for encouraging me to strive for my goal of sharing the beautiful game of chess with the world.

Concepts In Chess