***Please note: There are no live meetings with the instructor. This is a self-paced course with instructional videos and interactive lessons.***

This class features 64 short (1-3 minute) videos paired with a detailed interactive lesson. Each lesson consists of one complete chess game that guides (almost) beginner level players through the basics of strategy. The games emphasize solid opening moves while introducing tactical ideas including scholar's mate, back rank checkmate, smothered checkmate, remove the defender, pins, forks, Legal's trap, fools mate, and many more. 

These lessons are like the etudes a piano student practices. Lots of repetition with small variations build strong habits that shape intuitions. 

The short videos are only meant as an introduction. The interactive lessons are the core of this class and should be completed independently. Younger students don't need to understand every concept. If the text hints are confusing, clicking the “View the Solution” button under the chess board and following along can be very instructive. Like learning dance moves, imitating the shapes and patterns of real chess games will help build a solid foundation. Older students should try to find every move using the hints on the side and plenty of trial and error. 

Here is an example of one interactive lesson: https://lichess.org/study/kTL7coej 

I will be available and able to respond to questions from students and families at least once each day (Monday through Saturday) for the duration of the eight week course.