The UnblockedChess Blog
Beginner-friendly chess guides, written in plain language. Learn the openings that actually work at school-club level, the strategy that wins casual games, and the fastest checkmates every player should know. Each guide links back to our free browser board so you can practise the ideas the moment you finish reading.
Chess Openings for Beginners
The five openings every new player should know, and the three golden rules behind all of them.
How to Win at Chess
A beginner strategy guide: stop hanging pieces, spot five simple tactics, and follow a basic plan.
Scholar's Mate and Fool's Mate
The fastest checkmates in chess, how they work, and exactly how to defend against them.
Benefits of Playing Chess
Why students should play: better focus, memory and problem solving from a free browser game.
Ready to Practise?
Reading about chess only takes you so far. Put the ideas into play on our unblocked chess board, train your tactics with our chess puzzles, or review the fundamentals in our how to play chess guide. Everything on the site is free and runs in your browser, so you can learn and play anywhere, even on a school network.
New guides are added regularly, so check back after you have mastered the current set. If there is a topic you would like us to cover, the contact page is always open.