The departments

Topics

The game, sorted into departments. Each collects our guides, the gear that earned a spot, and what the club has learned the hard way.

[ECO]
Openings & Theory
ECO-indexed opening guides, from first principles to move-order nerdery.
3 guides · explore →
[ECO]
Tactics & Patterns
Named motifs, mating nets, and the calculation habits that win club games.
2 guides · explore →
[ECO]
Sets, Boards & Clocks
Equipment that survives club night: sets, boards, clocks, and scorebooks.
7 guides · explore →
[ECO]
Over the Board
Rated-play culture: pairings, scoresheets, etiquette, and ratings.
7 guides · explore →
[ECO]
Training & Study
Books, plans, and honest advice for climbing the rating bands.
5 guides · explore →
[ECO]
Chess Culture
The game's history, language, and rituals.
2 guides · explore →

Reader favorites

The short list — see the full ranking on our best-gear page.

Tournament Chess Set & Board Combo
$22.49
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How to Win at Chess (Levy Rozman)
$18.39
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Chess Tactics for Beginner: ELO 600-1200: 1,200 Modern Puzzles to
$2.99
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26 guides published

18 products vetted

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