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Beginner Path (Under 1200)

Master these fundamentals in order. Each topic builds on the last, and every one of these positions appears constantly in games at all levels.

Learning Path​

  1. Queen mate The most basic checkmate — learn to drive the enemy king to the edge without stalemating.

  2. Rook mate Slightly more technical — use the rook to cut off the king and deliver mate on the edge.

  3. Opposition The fundamental king battle — when kings face each other, the player who does not move has the advantage.

  4. Key squares The squares the attacking king must reach to escort a pawn to promotion.

  5. King & pawn vs king The single most important pawn endgame — can the pawn promote or can the defender stop it?

  6. Rule of the square A quick way to tell whether the defending king can catch a runaway pawn.

  7. Lucena position The classic method for winning rook + pawn vs rook — build the bridge and promote.

  8. Philidor position The classic defensive method for holding rook + pawn vs rook — keep the rook on the third rank.

Next Steps​

Once you've mastered these fundamentals:

Continue to Intermediate Path →