Level 1

The World of Chess

From the first piece moves through to checkmate.

This workbook is devoted to understanding the rules of chess and mastering the basic moves. It opens the door to the world of chess and leads from the first piece movements to the aim of a complete game: checkmating the opposing king.

Contents and learning goals

• How king, rook, bishop, queen, knight and pawn move
• Capturing and material value
• Recognising attacks and giving check
• Saving the king: move away, interpose, or capture the attacker
• Recognising and capturing unprotected or more valuable pieces
• Checkmate, stalemate and castling
• First checkmate puzzles

Short, clearly defined learning sections; exercises that build on one another; targeted repetition; tests to consolidate.