This guide has a shortlist of resources (both print and digital) split by estimated

skill level. At the bottom, there is a directory where to purchase content.

1. For Beginners (Just Starting Out — 1200 max)

https://www.chess.com/article/view/study-plan-directory

Openings: I recommend focusing on setup-based openings which are different from theory-based
openings in that you can develop your pieces similarly every time, then try to implement your plans. For
instance, if you play 1. e4, you have to learn various responses for Black.

a. London Opening

b. English Opening (1. c4)

c. King’s Indian Attack (with white) and King’s Indian Defense (with black)

d. If you opt for 1. e4, make sure to be prepared against e5, e6 (french), c6 (caro-kann), c5 (sicilian) etc.

[DIGITAL RESOURCES]: Chess.com video library, YouTube searches, Chessable app, Chessbase
[PRINT RESOURCES]: Books available at NewInChess, Amazon, Chessbase, FWDChess (eBook)

Tactics/Middlegame/Endgame: At this level, you need basic endgame understanding (checkmating

patterns, promotion) and very solid tactical foundation. Practice tactics (1-2 move combinations) more
than anything else.

TACTICS
[DIGITAL]: Chess.com Tactics Trainer; Chesstempo.com; YouTube - John Bartholomew
[PRINT]: 1001 Chess exercises for beginners, Tune Your Chess Tactics Antenna, Jeremy Silman book
series

MIDDLEGAME/STRATEGY
[DIGITAL]: Chess.com lessons library is GREAT, YouTube - John Bartholomew
[PRINT]:

ENDGAMES
[DIGITAL]: ChessTempo and Chess.com have solid endgame practice guides
[PRINT]: 100 endgames you must know, Jesus de la Villa

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2. For Intermediate (1200 — 1800)

At this level you can up your game in terms of openings, strengthen tactics, and get a better
understanding of positional chess.
Openings: You can choose whichever openings you want. I will recommend some resources on where to
obtain your information and knowledge—but I recommend AGGRESSIVE openings with clear plans.

CONSIDER: Certain GAMBIT openings (Smith Morra, Scotch Gambit etc)

[DIGITAL RESOURCES]: Chess.com video library, YouTube searches, Chessable app, Chessbase
[PRINT RESOURCES]: Books available at NewInChess, Amazon, Chessbase, FWDChess (eBook)

Tactics/Middlegame/Endgame: You have to ‘set the pace’ at this level, get strong at coordinating your
pieces, launching attacks, exposing weaknesses and even creating them in the first place by baiting your
opponents into certain moves/situations.

TACTICS
[DIGITAL]: Chess.com Tactics Trainer; Chesstempo.com; YouTube - John Bartholomew
[PRINT]: Maxim Blokh tactics workbook; Manual for Chess Combinations, PUZZLE RUSH!

MIDDLEGAME/STRATEGY
[DIGITAL]: Chess.com lessons library is GREAT, YouTube - John Bartholomew
[PRINT]: Artur Yusupov “Chess Evolution” series, Logical Chess move by move by Irving Chernev

ENDGAMES
[DIGITAL]: ChessTempo and Chess.com
[PRINT]: 100 endgames you must know, Jesus de la Villa

3. For Advanced (1800+)

TBD