Ideas, Openings & Improvement

Studies show modest positive effects of chess on maths and reading, especially in younger children.

Most experts recommend starting chess between ages 5-7. But it is never too late. Here is the research.

Research shows chess improves memory, problem-solving, and cognitive function. Here is what the science actually says.

Your biggest opponent is not the player across the board, it is your own mind. The complete science of chess psychology.

The difference between a 1200 and a 2200 is not talent, it is habits. Here are 100 habits that strong players have internalised.

Most chess players improve slowly or not at all. Here is exactly what the fastest improvers do differently, backed by cognitive science and GM training methods.

Chess is 50% skill and 50% psychology. The mental habits of winners, confidence, resilience, and decision-making, are learnable skills.

Chess burnout is real. If you dread sitting down to play, if every loss feels devastating, if improvement has stopped, you might be burned out.

Spending 10 minutes on a move doesn't make it better. Overthinking leads to second-guessing and time trouble. Learn to think better, not longer.

You just blundered. Your stomach drops. But the game isn't over. Here's how to recover mentally and practically, and sometimes even win.

Even World Champions hang pieces. Five devastating blunders, and the universal lessons hiding in each one.

Thirty seconds left, critical position, opponent pressing. How strong players keep their heads while weaker players fall apart.