Ideas, Openings & Improvement

An x-ray attack is when a piece attacks through another piece. Here is how this powerful tactic works.

The !, ?, and !! symbols in chess notation evaluate move quality. Here is what every symbol means.

The Elo rating system is the backbone of competitive chess. Here is how it actually calculates your rating.

J'adoube (French for "I adjust") is what you say before touching a piece you don't intend to move. Here is the full etiquette.

A fianchetto places your bishop on the longest diagonal. Here is why it is one of chess's most powerful setups.

Every chess term you'll ever encounter, defined, explained, and linked to practical examples. The most comprehensive chess glossary online.