Chess Resources
Beginner Tips
Starting your chess journey? These simple lessons will help you develop good habits from day one.
Topics include:Â
- The basic rules of chess
- How to checkmate with common pieces
- Opening principles
- Tactics every beginner should know
- How to avoid blunders
- Thinking before you move
- How to analyse your own games
Perfect for: New players and parents learning alongside their children.
Tournament Preparation
Playing your first tournament can be exciting—and a little nerve-racking. These resources will help you arrive confident and prepared.
Learn about:
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What to bring to a tournamentÂ
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Tournament etiquetteÂ
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Time controls and chess clocksÂ
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How to record your movesÂ
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Managing nerves before a gameÂ
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Pre-game warm-up routinesÂ
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Post-game analysis tips
Perfect for: Players entering local, provincial or national events.
Newbie Parent Guide
New to the world of chess? We’ve created this guide to help parents understand how chess works, what to expect, and how to best support their child’s journey.
Topics include:
- Why chess is beneficial for children
- How chess ratings and levels work
- Choosing the right tournaments
- What to expect at your first tournament
- How much should your child practise?
- Chess etiquette for parents and players
- Online chess platforms explained
- Understanding Chess SA ratings
- Common chess terms every parent should know
- How to encourage improvement without adding pressure
Perfect for: Parents of beginner and developing players.
A free online chess platform where players can play games, solve puzzles, analyse positions, and join tournaments.
One of the world’s largest online chess communities, offering games, lessons, puzzles, videos, and tournaments for all skill levels.
The official tournament results platform used worldwide to publish pairings, standings, ratings, and final results for chess events.
The national governing body for chess in South Africa, providing official ratings, tournament information, and national chess news.
A safe, child-friendly online chess platform with interactive lessons, puzzles, videos, and games designed specifically for young learners.
The official regional chess association for Johannesburg, featuring local tournament calendars, player information, and regional chess updates.
An online platform used by many South African chess organisers for tournament registrations, player profiles, event management, and results.