Dear Learners! 

Thank you for your interest in my chess class. 

This semester long introductory chess class is welcome to all young learners who wish to learn about chess. Participants do not need to have any prior knowledge. I believe that chess is an interactive game and can only be learned through active games. The only prerequisite to an interactive game is to understand the basic rules of the game. For this reason, my lessons will be focused on learning the rules first, then I will incorporate games and puzzles to practice throughout the lesson. I do not believe in simple content learning. I believe that learning is about introducing the right tools so that the students can create their own game. In this sense, after understanding the basic rules, the principles of the game are more crucial than the memorization of classic variations. 

This series is divided into 4 parts. The following is a tentative syllabus. Depending on the average age of the class and the interests of the students, this schedule is subject to change to adapt to learners' level. For example, if a group of learner decides to focus more on play instead of analyzing games, we can replace the last classes with mini-tournaments. 

+++ If your learner have taken the Part I of the introduction class or already knows all the rules of the game and wish to skip the first week, please contact me as soon as you sign up for a refund before the semester starts.  +++

Part 1- Classes #1-4: 
- Introducing the chessboard
-Time and space in chess
-The basic rules of the game and some exceptions (to rock, en passant)
-Introducing each chess pieces 
-The value system of each chess pieces
-The goal of the game: check mate!
-What makes a draw? 
- A review of the basic rules and principles of the game 
- The notation of the game  
- Basic etiquette for starting 
- The structure of the game: the focus of an opening, mid-game and endgame
- Visualization and calculation in chess 
- Beginner positions to avoid 
- one review class/game session

Part 2- Classes #5-15: 
Each week we will have one session solely focused on a opening and the other will be focused on a strategy. 
- Opening priorities 
- Introduction to classic openings 
- Openings and applications in games (5)
- Introduction to chess strategies 
- Strategies+tactics in games and practice with game puzzles (5)
-  End with game session + social time

Part 3- Class #16-19: 
If the class masters the checkmates rapidly, we can move on to more advanced endgame checkmates. 
- Endgame principles 
- Endgame checkmates with 1 queen
- Endgame checkmates with  2 rooks
- Endgame checkmates with 1 rook 
- Endgame checkmates with 1 pawn (promotion)
-  End with game session + social time 

Part 4- Classes #20: Game Analysis and Free Play 
This last part will be determined as a group with the learners. 
- Analysis of famous games 
- Free play and analysis of each game 
- Mini-tournament among students (long games of 30 minutes or multiple blitz)
- Review and discussion  

+++ If any class fall holidays or any date that you cannot attend, please send your preferred time and we can reschedule or transfer. Alternatively, cancellation for that specific class is also a option. Please communicate with me in the beginning of the semester and I can refund the price for individual sessions. 

Each class, we will play a short game. Depending on the game, the class might go slightly overtime. Students are not obligated to stay after class. Students are strongly encouraged to practice and play outside of the class. We will always start the session with a questions/free discussion period so remember to take a photo/ screenshot or write down your game and bring it to class!

For the class, I will be using an online platform as well to make sure that everyone can follow and have the same starting point. In addition, I recommend everyone to have a chessboard for general practice and play because in the case of tournaments, students will have to use real chessboards. To play with real chessboard will habituate students to not only play online. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to communicate with me! 

Looking forward to meeting you!

Louisa