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Learning chess

Your Brain Peaks at 30. Chess Proves It.A study of nearly 2,000 Grandmasters pinpoints the age when strategic thinking, memory, and mental stamina converge — and what happens afterFebruary 18, 2026·10 min read

Why Kids Quit ChessIt's not the game. It's everything around the game.January 11, 2026·5 min read

How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Chess?The honest answer is: longer than the apps promise, shorter than you fear, and almost entirely up to you.January 11, 2026·4 min read

Is Chess a Workout for Your Brain?The brain-training industry collapsed under its own hype. Chess might actually hold up.January 4, 2026·5 min read

What's the Best Age to Start Learning Chess?The prodigy industrial complex has an answer. The research says something else entirely.January 4, 2026·10 min read

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Popular news

Carlsen Strikes First As Total Chess Begins—But Vaishali Steals The Spotlight

Carlsen Strikes First As Total Chess Begins—But Vaishali Steals The Spotlight

Total Chess·Nov 10·4 min read

Total Chess 2026: Everything You Need To Know

Total Chess 2026: Everything You Need To Know

Total Chess·Nov 9·16 min read

Total Chess Pilot: Five Things To Watch As Carlsen Tests Chess's New Format

Total Chess Pilot: Five Things To Watch As Carlsen Tests Chess's New Format

Total Chess·Nov 9·5 min read

Carlsen Makes Surprise London Detour For World Rapid & Blitz Champs Warm-Up

Carlsen Makes Surprise London Detour For World Rapid & Blitz Champs Warm-Up

Magnus Carlsen · World Rapid & Blitz Championships · London Chess Classic·Nov 8·4 min read

Chess Terms

Term of the day

Chess Pin

A pinned piece cannot move without exposing a more valuable one behind it.

More terms

One move, two threats: a fork attacks two pieces at once, and only one can be saved.

The reverse of a pin: the valuable piece is hit first and the one behind it falls.

Discovered Attack

A piece steps aside and uncovers an attack from the piece it was blocking.

Back Rank Checkmate

Mate on the last rank: the king's own pawns leave it nowhere to run.

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Games & tests

Game of the day

Play a rated game

Find an opponent of your level in the lobby.

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How much chess do you actually know?

Quiz · 1 question

Think you know chess? Eight questions, from easy to unfair. Your score becomes a rating, and we'll tell you how many people you're ahead of.

Puzzle · every day

A fresh tactic each morning, rated against the community.

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